The Kansas City Chiefs have a long history of mastery of the offense and the chemistry they’ve built among players. In a Bleacher report in May 2024, they’ve ranked second among the best in the offense after the San Francisco 49ers. However, this season has raised concerns among analysts, and most of them believe Travis Kelce’s distraction and the unfortunate injury of star running back Isiah Pacheco is its core reason.

NFL analyst Michael Lombardi discussed this during his appearance on the Pat McAfee Show. Addressing a statement by Mahomes about how Noah saved the game when Kelce struggled in coordinating with three safeties against the Falcons. Lombardi began by praising Mahomes before saying. “I don’t think he’s playing well, and they’re 3-0, but I don’t think they’ve played a good game yet. Their offense is out of sync,” he said, emphasizing that the loss of Pacheco has further weakened their offensive unit.

Pat McAfee, the former NFL punter and host of the show, agreed with Lombardi, expressing his concern for the Chiefs’ game against the Chargers. “That’s not the Travis Kelce I know,” McAfee stated. “I’ve never seen him like this in my entire life.” He showed his disappointment of how Kelce is cool with his performance even after accepting he has not been very productive as a TE on the ‘New Heights’ podcast. 

Although Pacheco’s impressive performance has made him a key player for season 2024. In Week 1, the running back recorded 15 rushing attempts for 45 yards, a touchdown, and 14.8 fantasy points. He followed that with 19 rushing attempts for 90 yards and 13.6 fantasy points in Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Unfortunately, Isiah fractured his fibula late in the Week 2 victory, an injury requiring surgery. 

But the question is, with Kelce underperforming and Pacheco being injured, who will improve the Chiefs‘ offensive capabilities? And will Isiah Pacheco return to the field anytime soon?

Isiah Pacheco’s return and possible alternatives

Pacheco had successful surgery last week, with no reported complications or ligament damage, giving some hope that he could return this season. However, head coach Andy Reid has been cautious about the weak offense, suggesting that it’s possible Pacheco won’t play again in 2024.

Although after the Week 3 performance of 25 yards on 6 carries by Samaje Perine and 72 yards on 17 carries by rookie Carson Steele, they are the main alternatives for former Rutgers running back. But to be safe, the Chiefs brought back former third-round pick Kareem Hunt, initially adding him to their practice squad. After a week of preparation, Hunt was promoted to the 53-man roster. “He looks like he’s in decent shape,” Coach Reid commented. “He just needs an opportunity to play,” Reid said.

Even if Hunt has only been a starter in his first two years with the Chiefs, he has still shown solid support to the team. The week 4 game against their divisional opponent, the LA Chargers, will be tough, considering how Jim Harbaugh has started as their head coach. There are doubts about QB Justin Herbert’s availability for the game. Let’s see whether the back-to-back champions can make it a 4-0 start.