The Kansas City Chiefs are traveling to play the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5 on Monday Night Football. While 2-2 is not where this group envisioned they would be entering October, the defending AFC champions are riding the momentum of a two-game winning streak and an improved offensive attack into Monday night.
The rushing attack has been inconsistent to start the year, especially since Patrick Mahomes is the leading rusher with 130 yards. Xavier Worthy's return from injury and Brashard Smith's uptick in usage helped Kansas City on the ground in Week 4, leading to a four-TD performance out of Mahomes. After giving Smith his first real opportunity to contribute on offense, the Chiefs could be looking to change things up in the backfield, and the rookie stands to benefit from that the most.
During his time with the media on Thursday, Mahomes provided the rookie playmaker with some well-deserved praise.
"He's done a great job. Just like any other rookie in this offense, you give him more and more every week," Mahomes said, via Charles Goldman of A to Z Sports. "It helps that he's played receiver because he can run routes, and running back because he can run between the tackles..."
Brashard Smith Gets Some Love from Patrick Mahomes Ahead of MNF
Smith played in a career-high 19 total snaps in Week 4 against the Baltimore Ravens. The former SMU standout finished with nine rushing yards, along with three catches for 27 receiving yards. In that one game, Smith has already surpassed Isiah Pacheco (26) in receiving yards and narrowly trails Kareem Hunt (36).
The Chiefs' running back room needs a spark, but it's a lot to throw on a rookie's plate. That's why Kansas City has been putting more responsibilities and reps on Smith from Week 3 to Week 4. While he didn't run the ball the best last week, what he can bring to the table as a pass catcher could be a nice addition to this offense.
Kansas City is aware of the importance of having a good ground game, and Smith is someone who has fans inside the building. Although he's a seventh-round pick, the SMU product has a player who impressed throughout the offseason. During the preseason, Smith provided fans with a glimpse of what he brings to the table by recording 33 rushing yards, 22 receiving yards, and four total first downs.
As time moves forward, the Chiefs hope that Smith's production increases. Based on Mahomes' comments, fans should expect to see plenty of the rookie out there when the offense is on the field.
Neither Pacheco nor Hunt has been that efficient this year, so the opportunities in the backfield are there for the taking. This primetime contest against the Jags will be the next chance for Smith to showcase what he can do, and it's clear his franchise QB has all the faith in him.