Chiefs RB Pacheco Could Trouble Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs are set to match up for the first time this season as both teams are prepared for the rivalry showdown at Allegiant Stadium.
The Raiders are playing good football defensively and will look to take advantage of the Chiefs’ offensive struggles. Kansas City has gone three straight games without scoring a touchdown in the second half.
This comes as a surprise, considering the fact that they still have Coach Andy Reid, quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce. Despite having those three, teams have still been able to slow them down and keep games close.
The Chiefs may look to get the run game going because of this, and that would mean a heavier dosage of running back Isiah Pacheco. Pacheco has broken out in his second season with the Chiefs and has become an integral part of their offense.
Pacheco, a seventh-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Rutgers, had 170 carries for 830 yards and five touchdowns in his rookie season. Because of his great play, the Chiefs decided to make him the feature back in their offense for 2023.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco has become a focus of their offense in 2023.
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
He has delivered on that belief, carrying the ball 143 times for 614 yards and three touchdowns through 10 games. He also has 25 receptions for 162 yards and a touchdown through the air.
Pacheco is such a tough cover because he can be effective both on the ground and in the passing game. The Chiefs do not run the ball very often, as they have the ninth-fewest rushing attempts in the league, but when they do run the ball, it usually goes to Pacheco, who is always capable of making a big play.
Pacheco has a unique running style. When he gets the football, he is a sudden and strong runner. He makes quick cuts and rarely goes down on first contact. Pacheco gashed the New York Jets' excellent defense in Week 4 for 115 yards and a touchdown.
He ranks seventh in the NFL among all running backs in broken tackles with 12.
The Raiders have done a good job stopping the run this year but now face a tough test with Pacheco. The Chiefs make it a priority to get him the ball, so interim head coach Antonio Pierce will have to make his priority slowing down No. 10.
The Silver and Black will return home this week to celebrate Thanksgiving and take on their AFC West rival, the Kansas City Chiefs, on Sunday, November 26, at 4:25 p.m. EST/1:25 p.m. PST.
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