Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco exceeded expectations during the 2022 season. Excelling his game in the seventh round, he became a key contributor throughout the season – and played a huge role in the win power 57th.
In the third part of our series on the former Rutgers Going back in time, let’s take a look at the areas he can improve in 2023.
Larger volume of receptions
While this has more to do with how the coaching staff chooses to use Pacheco 13 receptions from 2022 Something to build on.
Coach Andy Reid’s screen game demands near-perfect timing from everyone: the offensive lineman, quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the linebackers themselves. For a young player, the intricacies of this type of play can be a challenge.
But as his rookie season progressed, Pacheco managed to take a few screen saves – with very effective results.
I’d like to see Pacheco’s role expand into the screen game in 2023. Timing is the main key to success. 52 gets only a clean release but Pacheco uses the block to cut to the outside breaking up one tackle and rushing forward for more yards. pic.twitter.com/kCwmifUeee
– Caleb James (@CJScoobs) May 24, 2023
On this play—which owes much to a massive downfield tackle by quarterback Creed Humphrey—Pacheco catches the ball, dribbles past attackers and shows his game-breaking speed.
In the Asian Championship game vs Cincinnati BengalsPacheco caught five passes (for 59 yards) that ended up being big factors in Kansas City’s victory. It was his best catch-up game. He has accumulated 11.9 yards per reception.
Although he wasn’t able to play an explosive game during these moments, he was more than willing to lower his shoulder.
One of the reasons I hope Pacheco can carve out a bigger role as a passing pro is because he has the ability to make plays like this. It gives some presence to the edge before spilling out. A couple fights in space and ends the play with a first down. Great connection balance. pic.twitter.com/a6pBgmHmsR
– Caleb James (@CJScoobs) May 31, 2023
We see here that after giving a physical presence to tackle him, Pacheco drops off the field. On his bad ankle, Mahomes admitted to knocking at the bottom, and threw it to Pacheco. As Bengals defenders swarm, the running back stays on his feet, battling through arm tackles to capture a crucial first point.
Being more involved in the passing game will give Pacheco more opportunities to allow his physical style to help create additional explosive plays.
Improved pass protection
Pacheco’s low reception volume during his rookie season was largely due to his inexperience—but also to his early issues with pass protection. While the relationship between these may not be obvious, chiefs need to keep defenses honest; Running backs must be able to pass as well as catch passes.
Last season, Jerick McKinnon turned his solid pass protection skills into a career year as a receiver, collector Nine touchdowns and 512 yards. McKinnon will likely reprise that role in 2023 – but having two running backs with both abilities could be beneficial to Kansas City.
Early in the 2022 season, Pacheco had some chances to do some pass-blocking – with mixed results.
For Pacheco to become a better running back overall, he needs to take the next step as a pass protector. David is coming in blitz and Pacheco has to step up and stop him 1v1. He lunged instead of bringing his hands and feet in at the same time. He tries to recover, but pushes David down in a bad spot. pic.twitter.com/8nzLi4cMNv
– Caleb James (@CJScoobs) May 26, 2023
On this play, Lavonte David comes on an A-gap offense to the other side of the Chiefs’ slip protection. With Joe Thuney taking over the three-tech rush, David can rush up the middle. Pacheco advances to the block but hesitates before lunging at David – leaving him vulnerable to the inside move David uses to get past him, putting pressure on Mahomes to finish off the actor.
So as the season went on, Pacheco’s pass protection reps dwindled. At the Super Bowl, he was mostly used for backhanding — but late in the game, he created a slick slide combo to set up one of the biggest plays of the evening.
Pacheco sold out on the Mahomes Stampede in the Super Bowl. He paints to prevent any chance the edge should enter the field. The protection allows Mahomes to open midfield and take offs to create one of the famous plays in the game. pic.twitter.com/RTIi47XnH1
– Caleb James (@CJScoobs) June 1, 2023
While this rep was not a one-on-one protection, Pacheco assists with a left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. after fakes a move. His overbearing combo prevents him from making his way forward – opening up a massive Mahomes scramble that puts the Chiefs within goal range to win the game.
While Pachco’s efforts have been rewarded, it’s important for us to focus on what this play shows us: Pachco is a willing blocker who wants to help his team in any way he can.
creates alone
While Pacheco was the recipient of some massive blocking and a run-friendly scheme in his rookie season, he deserves credit for many of the plays. His material gifts helped him pick up arenas – but it sometimes felt like more arenas were available.
KC runs a sweep that uses many of the same pin-and-pull principles. OB down the blocks, and Burton hits it perfectly, cutting the edge as Thuney roams around and locks DB inside. Big block of Skyy. The only man between Pacheco and the final zone makes the play. pic.twitter.com/nAmGlBPgTt
– Caleb James (@CJScoobs) February 14, 2023
That sweep of Kansas City in the Super Bowl allowed Pacheco to catch the first batter — the goal — but also sent him into space, setting up a one-on-one against a safety. While the play succeeds, it feels like more yards (or even touchdowns) are left on the table.
If Pacheco wants to be in the top ten in this league, he has to find a way to execute some kind of move—a spin, a jock, a stiff arm or even a hitch—to take advantage of these types of situations.
But let’s be real: For the second year and seventh year in a row, this is a pretty good problem.