Last season, Isiah Pacheco checked off nearly box of him as a rookie, from contributing on special teams to becoming the starting running back for the Kansas City Chiefs. But the former Rutgers football standout is showing flashes of another part of his game during the NFL preseason, one that should be welcome news for the Chiefs and quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Pacheco might just be developing into a pass-catching threat for the Chiefs.
It’s not to say that Pacheco wasn’t solid in his first NFL season as a receiving option out of the backfield (13 catches on 14 targets for 130 receiving yards). But when stacked against his strong rushing numbers (830 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 130 carries in the regular season), it is clear that Pacheco’s contributions could go to the next level if he became more involved in the passing game.
Which is why this clip from Chiefs camp on Thursday had fans excited. It was a simple screen pass, but Pacheco showcased his ability to get significant yards in the open field as a pass receiver out of the backfield.
Pacheco takes it to the end zone pic.twitter.com/CvnFoF9z2Y
— KC Sports Network (@KCSportsNetwork) August 17, 2023
Full disclosure, Pacheco probably gets tackled at the 30-yard line by either Chris Lammons or Manny Patterson, the two cornerbacks in for the defense at that time. He likely doesn’t take it all the way for a touchdown.
But the play was still an encouraging catch-and-run for Pacheco.
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(Make sure to check out Chiefs Wire all season long for plenty of Isiah Pacheco coverage!)
It is also training camp, so it should be underscored that this matters less than a preseason game which matters less than what Pacheco eventually does in Week 1. Every team is going 16-0 17-0 based on what fans see in training camp. But there is definitely a buzz, a palpable one at that, about what Pacheco can do this season.
(Still doesn’t feel right, 17-0…)
If Pacheco can get more involved in the passing game, then the former Rutgers football star’s role in the Chiefs’ offense is likely to grow more.
Scroll down and check out some of the best photos from the Super Bowl as Isiah Pacheo’s rookie season with the Kansas City Chiefs was capped off in winning fashion!