Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl champion Tyrann Mathieu appeared on FanDuel TV's "Up & Adams" this week to discuss multiple topics, and didn't hesitate to share his thoughts on his former team. Much like Chiefs fans are well aware of this season, Kansas City's run game isn't flying under the radar with Mathieu, who made it clear that backfield improvements must be made.
“I feel like they got so many holes. I would really like for them to get a running back that can really take the pressure off (Patrick) Mahomes," Mathieu told host Kay Adams, even adding that he thought the Chiefs were going to acquire New York Jets RB Breece Hall before the trade deadline last month.
Chiefs Kingdom (and Mathieu, clearly) had a lot of hope that star back Breece Hall would end the season wearing a K.C. uniform. Kareem Hunt simply doesn't have the explosive ability due to wear and tear. Isaiah Pacheco has been injured and unproductive, while Brashard Smith still doesn't have the coaching staff's full trust. Trading for Hall made a ton of sense.
Therefore, Mathieu is making a very fair point that many Chiefs fans and pundits have hammered home over the last months. Clearly, something has to give.
Chiefs Can't Ignore RB issues After Tyrann Mathieu's Criticism
It is telling that such a respected piece of the recent dynasty is willing to point out the flaw. Mathieu isn't concerned with having the back of Hunt or looking for ways to explain away the struggles rushing the football. Instead, the former safety isn't hesitating to point out the fact that the Chiefs are clearly challenged when it comes to creating a consistent rushing attack.
This should continue to serve as a wake-up call for a team that simply fumbled its opportunity to make an impact move and push towards appearing in a fourth straight Super Bowl. Running the football is key to winning titles, and no one should know that better than head coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach.
If the Chiefs are going to save the season and win out the rest of the way, there is going to need to be a surprise producer in the rushing attack. The trade deadline is long gone, leaving only free-agent scraps and internal solutions as the potential paths to follow.
And if the backfield doesn't take a leap forward, the Chiefs' season is going to end far sooner than expected, and Mathieu's obvious observation will be a theme of the offseason. Hopefully, Veach & Co. heed the former safety's words. Otherwise, the RB room will be in a prime spot to give even more headaches next season.