Two Chiefs Vets Having Intense Battles Early in Training Camp

The Kansas City Chiefs are chugging through this year's training camp as they continue their toward a potential Super Bowl three-peat. While NFL camps are known to create positional battles due to the limited 53-man roster spots, the intense nature of summer practices can also create tension between players at different positions.

As it turns out, tension has been brewing between two key Chiefs players since training camp began. The good news is that it's the exact type of battle KC Kingdom should love to see between two hungry competitors.

Chiefs Training Camp: Pacheco, Tranquill Engaging in Intense Battles

Earlier this week, Chiefs insider Ed Easton Jr. reported that linebacker Drue Tranquill has been going to war against running back Isiah Pacheco during training camp practices. According to Tranquill, Pacheco's talented rushing abilities have forced the veteran defender to step up at practice.

"I’m just trying to bring [Pacheco] in," Tranquill told reporters on Monday about his experience facing the 25-year-old RB in practice. "I know he’s going to be low in the hole, and I gotta be able to meet him there and knock him back."

The high praise for the third-year rusher didn't stop there. Tranquill went as far as describing Pacheco as "a ball of energy for our team" and that the defensive roster is thankful for his presence.

"He does a lot for this team, and that goes on behind the scenes vocally. When you have a guy that runs as hard as he does and brings it week in and week out, it makes you puff your shoulders up a little bit and get ready for it on the defensive side."

- Drue Tranquill on Isiah Pacheco

Drafted 251st overall in 2022, Pacheco has exceeded and smashed every expectation put in his way. After a strong rookie season, the former Rutgers RB took his game to the next level by turning 205 carries into 935 rushing yards and seven touchdowns across 14 games. Had he not missed three games, he was on pace to finish with over 1,100 yards.

That's without mentioning how he also caught 44-of-49 targets (89.8%) for another 244 yards and two more scores.

Meanwhile, Tranquill enjoyed a terrific debut Chiefs season by registering 53 solo tackles, 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and a defended pass in 16 appearances. He also finished third on the team with 21 solo tackles during the latest Super Bowl run, which played a big role in the three-year, $19 million contract he was awarded back in March.

"Iron sharpens iron," as the age-old saying goes, so it's great if Tranquill and Pacheco bring out the best in one another throughout training camp. They're already two of the Chiefs' biggest contributors on their respective sides of the ball and continuing their current trajectory would go a long way in turning any three-peat dreams into a reality.

Barring any unforeseen disasters, Kansas City should remain in the championship conversation from now through February. The Chiefs are currently Draft KingsSportsbook's +500 favorite to win Super Bowl LIX as the NFL offseason reaches August.

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