For the first time in his career, Patrick Mahomes suffered a major injury, and it derailed the 2025 campaign. It was probably avoidable, but he's been asked to do way too much to keep the chains in motion in recent years, and Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach knows that has to change.
Talking to Chiefs insider Pete Sweeney of The Kansas City Star, Veach hinted at taking a more run-heavy approach in 2026. He cited Kenneth Walker III's addition and how having more 'violent' play from Creed Humphrey, Kingsley Suamataia, and Josh Simmons can be crucial to the offense.
The Chiefs Want to Take a Run-Heavy Approach Next Season
"With Ken, we do have some talent on the offensive line," Veach said, via Sports Radio 810 WHB. "You know, I think it'd be a smart play to take advantage of that trio and, you know, be more violent and to kind of utilize those guys and their strengths."
There's no reason to have Patrick Mahomes dropping back 40+ times a game with Walker there. He's logged at least 200 carries in three of his four seasons in the league, and he's a true three-down workhorse of a running back.
Also, with Eric Bieniemy returning as offensive coordinator, the Chiefs might be looking at their first 1,000-yard rusher since Kareem Hunt's rookie year. He knows how to bring the best out of ball-carriers, and Walker is just entering his prime.
Mahomes is bending over backwards to beat his timeline, stay ahead of schedule, and get back to the field for Week 1. Be that as it may, he's probably not going to be as mobile early on, or at least he shouldn't strive to.
A strong running game is a quarterback's best friend, and the Chiefs need to establish a more balanced offense. They averaged just 106.6 rushing yards per game last season, which ranked 25th in the league, and none of their primary ball-carriers came even close to 1,000 rushing yards.
Of course, they will also need some help from the offensive line, just like Veach said. Humphrey is an elite center, and Josh Simmons showed glimpses of promise in his first year in the league, but the jury is still out on Suamataia.
It takes a village to find success in this league, and just because Mahomes can do most of the heavy lifting, it doesn't mean that he has to do it. They need to protect their franchise player, and having Walker tote the rock 20+ times a game is probably the most efficient way to do it.
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