Chiefs Will Call On Jets To Get Them Back On Track

Last week the Chiefs looked like they had figured out their recent offensive woes and then heartbreak struck; this week they’ll look to take out some anger on what should be an inferior opponent

The Chiefs are in a tough spot; at least as far as 5-2, second place teams go. After losing Tyquan Thornton and Rashee Rice (now returned) in the same week, you would’ve thought the pass game would start to struggle -- and it did -- but it wasn’t the only part of their offense that dried up. In the last 2 weeks, Chiefs RB Kenneth Walker III -- who had eclipsed 105 rushing yards in 4 of his first 5 games -- rushed for only 105 yards total. In last week’s game against the Broncos, it seemed the Chiefs had found something in the pass game. His name is Emmett Johnson. Johnson had 5 receptions for 128 receiving yards, including a 73 yard touchdown reception. However, even if the Chiefs had won that game, which they were inches away from doing, Emmett Johnson also illustrates a larger problem with our offense.

The backup running back had one carry total; and he’s had four carries in the past four weeks. On one hand, it’s awesome to have someone who will seemingly help our receiving core be more effective; on the other, the Chiefs are running Kenneth Walker III into the ground.

In Sunday’s Mile High matchup, Walker III had 21 carries (averaging only 3.3 per). This brought his season average of carries per game up to 20.1 which is good for 2nd in the league. Even for the majority of the season where Walker III has been incredibly effective; this amount of carries and the lack of such from anyone else; is something concerning for Walker III’s health and overall freshness.

The Chiefs need a backup running back that they utilize consistently. It’s a hot take, but I would argue this is even more important than their need to bring in new receivers at this point.

Jadyn Ott is rotting on our bench. I really don’t know enough about the guy to say he’s the answer but even if you give him six-seven carries a game with a net pickup of negative three yards, what you gain is more efficiency from Walker III coming from newly rested legs. Another person you may query why they haven’t been used at all is Justin Fields. Fields was added in the offseason to backup Mahomes. But the 6’3, 227 lbs, speedy Fields has (with past teams) and should be utilized in the rush game every now and then. This especially applies to late-down, short-yard situations where Walker III is gassed and the Chiefs don’t necessarily want to rush Mahomes who is still recovering from his ACL tear.

Fields former team, the New York Jets, will be coming into town this week and the Chiefs are looking to capitalize. The banged up Jets have the 20th best defense in terms of rush yards given up per game so look for KWIII to get back on track and for Mahomes to have more options when he needs to throw. The Chiefs should see this game as an opportunity to find an identity. Boost your confidence after seeing the run game work again, utilize new receiving threats, and most of all: experiment with under-utilized bench players.

Because at the end of the day, Kenneth Walker III might have another huge game; but there’s a ticking clock on when that might come to an end if the Chiefs don’t lessen his usage.

Speaking of health, here is an injury update from the Chiefs for Sunday’s game:

DL Peter Woods: Out (Neck)
CB Mansoor Delane: Out (Shoulder)
DT Norman-Lott: Out (Knee)
WR Nikko Remigio: Questionable (Hip)