There have been two noticeably exciting developments when it comes to the Kansas City Chiefs' backfield. Isiah Pacheco has shown signs of life, running with more ferocity and finding gaps that he missed early in the season. While the big plays are still lacking, the run game is enough of a threat to take a level of pressure off Patrick Mahomes. Another part of this is rookie Brashard Smith, who is playing an increasingly important role. According to A to Z Sports' Charles Goldman, this is by design, as Andy Reid's comments tell us this has been the plan from the start.
""Matt Nagy is trying to increase Smith's reps every week and put him in a position where he can do some things.""Andy Reid
Smith finished Week 4 with 36 total yards, with the bulk of this production coming in the passing game. Getting the rookie more involved isn't just about the results, but about understanding the threat he presents. When Kareem Hunt or Pacheco line up in the backfield, there is almost zero concern that either player is going to rip off a long run or beat a linebacker deep in the passing attack. Smith gives you hope of exposing both of these potential issues.
Chiefs Rookie RB Brashard Smith Will Continue To See Role Increase
The rookie running back gives the Chiefs the needed speed and catching ability to make the defense think twice about who they are paying attention to. Even this small level of indecision could prove pivotal in Kansas City's offense executing at the highest level. This doesn't mean Smith always has to put together huge rushes, though. Rather, if he can have a handful of impactful moments, there is going to be a high level of fallout.
This leads to the fact that Nagy and Reid have the correct approach here, opting to put Smith into the lineup more and more each week. Slowly easing Smith into a complicated offense takes the pressure off the rookie and should better set Smith up for the role he needs to play.
With this in mind, fans shouldn't be discouraged by the limited snaps or production early in the season. The fact that Hunt has been unable to average even 4.0 yards per carry is going to open up even more opportunities for the 7th-round pick. The Chiefs need a reliable second option behind Pacheco, and it is becoming clear that Reid wants Smith to grow into that role.
Smith only needs a great moment or two to completely sell Kansas City fans on what this offense is becoming. Following an offensive breakout during Week 4 that should already be scaring the league, this Chiefs passing attack will only become more dangerous when its best playmaker, Rashee Rice, is back in the lineup. The continued emergence of Smith is only going to make this talented offense more well-rounded and, in turn, even more dangerous.