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3 Chiefs Who Need More Playing Time to Avoid Crippling Loss to Dolphins in Week 9

Andy Reid needs these guys on the field more to rebound from last week's loss

By Joe Summers

Isiah Pacheco had only eight carries in Week 8 despite averaging five rushing yards per attempt
Isiah Pacheco had only eight carries in Week 8 despite averaging five rushing yards per attempt / Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
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The Chiefs officially arrived in Germany and now get set to take on the Dolphins with a chance to get a leg up on the closest competition in the AFC Standings.

Kansas City suffered an embarrassing defeat to Denver in Week 8 but there is a clear path towards beating Miami with the right game plan.

There are a few players that must get more playing time for the Chiefs to avoid a crippling loss. With certain guys falling short of expectations, we can no longer afford to be patient.

Let's look at three Chiefs who need more snaps in Week 9 vs. the Dolphins.

3 Chiefs Who Need More Playing Time to Avoid Crippling Loss to Dolphins

1. Isiah Pacheco - RB

Pacheco played 54% of the snaps against Denver, right around his average, but he had only ONE second-half carry in a game the Chiefs' passing attack couldn't muster any advantage.

He finished with just eight carries despite earning five yards per tote. Against an offense that can put up points in a hurry like Miami's, the Chiefs need to lean on Pacheco more to control possession and take pressure off Patrick Mahomes.

The Dolphins are middling against the run but have a ferocious pass rush, averaging the fifth-most sacks per game in the NFL (3.4). With a secondary that just added star cornerback Jalen Ramsey to the fold, I want to keep Mahomes out of harm's way as much as possible.

Pacheco has been spectacular this season, gashing defenses on the ground and through the air, evolving his game to become a dependable pass-catcher.

Jerick McKinnon is banged up and Clyde Edwards-Helaire didn't travel to Germany at all, so Kansas City is thin in the backfield. That means Pacheco needs to be heavily utilized.

In Miami's two losses this season, the Eagles ran the ball 29 times and the Bills ran it 34 times. The Chiefs ran the ball only 16 times against Denver and we need to see that number increase to walk away with a victory.

Pacheco isn't the only offensive player I want to see on the field more though, as you'll find out on the next page.

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