Tag: 1

Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco aiming to have 1,000-yard season in 2023

Isiah Pacheco is aiming to be the #Chiefs’ first 1,000-yard rusher of the Patrick Mahomes era.

[anyclip pubname=”2123″ widgetname=”0016M00002U0B1kQAF_M8169″]

Back in June, we asked Kansas City Chiefs fans if they believed the team would have a 1,000-yard rusher in 2023. With over 650 votes, 70.32% of fans voted, “Yes.”

It’s a bit surprising to see that, given that the last time the Chiefs had a 1,000-yard rusher was the 2017 NFL season. Kareem Hunt led all running backs with over 1,300 rushing yards that season in an offense quarterbacked by then-starter Alex Smith.

Fans have overwhelming confidence in the backfield featuring Isiah Pacheco after his rookie campaign saw 830 rushing yards on 170 attempts. He had over 1,000 rushing yards if you add his postseason numbers, but he’s yet to record that amount in the regular season alone.

Asked about his goals from his rookie season to his sophomore campaign, Pacheco told reporters after practice on Thursday that he’s working on the little things while striving to reach that rushing mark.

“It’s the details,” Pacheco explained. “Detailing my notes more, just finding little things to get better at. You know, for me, I want to run for a thousand yards. That’s the goal, obviously, but it starts here today, practice day by day.”

This is an enormous feat for a running back that plays on a pass-heavy team. The Chiefs attempted over 200 more passing attempts than rushing attempts just a season ago. Pacheco, however, didn’t emerge as the team’s start until Week 7 and only saw double-digit carries twice in the first six weeks of the season. He had double-digit carries in seven of his 11 starts to finish the 2022 NFL season.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1]

‘Foregone conclusion’ Tua Tagovailoa expected to start Week 1

Bleacher Report’s Mike Freeman has reportedly heard that former Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is expected to earn the starting QB job.

After Tua Tagovailoa was selected No. 5 overall by the Miami Dolphins in the 2020 NFL draft, there were plenty of questions surrounding his role on the team for his rookie season.

Some believed he would sit for a season, especially since Ryan Fitzpatrick is on the final year of his contract. However, others believe there is a chance he sees some playing time late in the season. After all, a common theme throughout the Dolphins fanbase is the fear of Tagovailoa re-injuring himself.

The most recent scenario has been proposed by Bleacher Report’s Mike Freeman. He claims everyone he has spoken to is positive that the rookie will beat Fitzpatrick for the starting job before Week 1 of the 2020 NFL regular season.

It is an idea that has recently been brought to light by Miami reporters, and is no longer an outlandish thought.

Dolphins Wire’s Kyle Crabbs discussed why this might not be the case, not because of Tagovailoa’s lack of talent or playing ability, but because of Fitzpatrick’s experience.

“It shouldn’t be considered a surprise if Tagovailoa’s experience in a quick game offense with a lot of RPO concepts yields him the starting gig; but it does feel a bit premature to suggest it is a foregone conclusion that Tagovailoa will pass Fitzpatrick by Week 1. To suggest as much would be greatly underselling Fitzpatrick’s sweat equity with the coaching staff in 2019 and his half a decade of play under new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey. Between those factors and Fitzpatrick’s savvy play under pressure that can help mitigate leaks along the offensive line, there’s plenty of evidence to suggest Miami could stick with Fitzpatrick to start the season.”

Will Tagovailoa start the season under center, or on the sidelines with a playbook in his hands? There’s plenty of time until then for him to make his case.

Roll Tide Wire will keep you updated on all things Tua Tagovailoa as he makes his way through his rookie season with the Miami Dolphins.

 

Michael Vick explains why Tua Tagovailoa should start week 1 for Miami Dolphins

Michael Vick joins Colin Cowherd to explain why he believes former Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will be the Week 1 starter for Miami.

Michael Vick, the former first-overall pick in the 2001 NFL draft from Virginia Tech, joined Colin Cowherd on his show “The Herd” and discussed the likelihood of former Alabama star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa starting week 1 for the Miami Dolphins.

The former NFL quarterback known for his years in Atlanta and Philadelphia wasted no time jumping to deliver praise for the No. 5 overall pick in the 2020 draft.

“The longest he’s going to sit, Colin, is maybe a couple practices when they resume training camp,” says Vick. “He might be number two on the depth chart for the first week of training camp and then from there he should be number one and take all the reps.”

Vick then goes on to mention the names of Kyler Murray and Baker Mayfield, both of whom were quarterbacks drafted No. 1 overall in their respective drafts and started for their teams as rookies.

“When you watch this guy throw the football, the accuracy, his ball placement. It’s undeniable, you got to play Tua early,” Vick says.

He acknowledges Ryan Fitzpatrick’s role as the mentor and the incumbent quarterback above Tagovailoa on the depth chart, but feels that he would best serve the mentor role from the sidelines and let Tagovailoa play the game and earn as he goes.

“It won’t be long. I expect Tua to be the starter Week 1. I am excited to watch this guy and just watch him throw the football,” Vick says.

You can watch the full segment below.

Roll Tide Wire will keep you updated on all things Tua Tagovailoa as he transitions into his rookie season with the Miami Dolphins.