While the Kansas City Chiefs have lost back-to-back preseason games to begin the 2026 season, the performance from the team's rookies is certainly a positive takeaway. This was especially the case for Emmett Johnson, the fifth-round rookie running back who carried the ball 12 times for 59 yards versus the Los Angeles Rams and scored the Chiefs' lone preseason touchdown versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Johnson broke numerous tackles and showed a nice mix of explosive ability as well as a willingness to seek out contact and punish tacklers. It is exactly the type of debut you're hoping to see from a rookie expected to play a meaningful role in the 2026 season.
With that said, the Chiefs coaching staff isn't simply praising the performance, but looking for ways to make Johnson even better. This was made obvious by A to Z Sports' Charles Goldman, who reported the comments from the new running backs coach, DeMarco Murray, after the former Nebraska Cornhusker's preseason debut.
" "He ran the ball physically, behind his pads, had some versatility in the passing game as well... Have to clean up some footwork and route depth... He'll clean those up... For the most part I was happy with how he played.""DeMarco Murray
Chiefs fans know this attitude is exactly what has been missing from the coaching staff over the last two seasons. There was a level of comfort without youth on the coaching staff or the voice of Eric Bieniemy to demand accountability. This has changed with young but still experienced coaches brought in, and Bieniemy once again able to play off Andy Reid's player-friendly approach and act as the 'bad cop.'
It appears that Murray is going to walk the line between the two crediting Johnson for his debut and pointing out ways the rookie can improve. This serves as a reminder of the biggest offensive improvement the Chiefs made in the previous offseason, and that is bringing in coaches willing to invite accountability and demand greatness.
DeMarco Murray's impact on the Chiefs running back room is already paying dividends
Last season, an aging Kareem Hunt was Kansas City's leading rusher with 611 yards and averaging well below four yards per carry. A big piece of this was due to a running back room that was injury-prone and had little talent. Still, bringing in Murray to oversee the remade group is a huge upgrade that is going to infuse energy into the offense and bring the best out of the team's playmakers.
For Murray, it is a chance to learn under Andy Reid while bringing in a needed level of accountability and energy to a coaching style that had felt a bit stale over the past two years. Murray's comment points to accountability and a spark that the staff has been missing in recent years.
Kansas City has a solid core and every reason to believe they are going to put the dynasty back on track in the 2026 season. Based not only on the team's talent, but also on a coaching staff that has been put in place to truly help get the best out of the players.
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