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Can Isiah Pacheco's return reignite the Chiefs' offense, or is the team facing deeper issues?

Just when the Chiefs Kingdom seemed like the NFL’s version of a fortress (seriously, 9-0 heading into week 11?), the Bills came marching in and pulled a heist in Buffalo. Now, Andy Reid’s squad is licking their wounds after their first loss of the season. But amidst the postgame chatter, Reid dropped a little holiday cheer: Isiah Pacheco might be back soon. After fracturing his fibula in week 2, the Chiefs’ explosive RB is nearing his return. Just in time for a week 12 matchup with the Panthers? Maybe.

Kareem Hunt has stepped up big time in Pacheco’s absence. It’s almost like the Chiefs swapped out one speedster for another and didn’t miss a beat. But let’s not forget what Pacheco brings to the table. The guy runs like he’s got beef with the turf. His return could give KC that extra boost they’ll need as the season heats up.

Andy Reid confirmed the news, saying Pacheco will practice this week but kept it vague as usual. Classic Reid—giving updates that somehow don’t update anything. “We’ll have to see as the week goes on,” he said. Translation? Flip a coin, Chiefs fans.

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If you’re wondering, yes, the Chiefs’ loss to the Bills came with more injury headlines. Defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah also picked up a hand issue late in the game, though Reid reassured everyone it was ‘nothing serious.’ Still, it’s another reminder that even the best teams are not invincible to the grind of a 17-game season.

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So, what does Pacheco’s return mean? For one, it adds another weapon to the Chiefs’ offense that’s already loaded. But more importantly, it brings back that spark—the guy who runs like every carry is a game-winner. The Panthers must take note. However, it’s not just the hype around Pacheco’s return… Some people are also focusing on Coach Reid.

Andy Reid is within touching distance of ‘greatness’

What’s your perspective on:

Can Isiah Pacheco's return reignite the Chiefs' offense, or is the team facing deeper issues?

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Andy Reid is knocking on history’s door, and the knock is getting louder. With a win over the Panthers in week 12, Reid will sit beside two of the game’s greatest—Bill Belichick and Don Shula—as the only head coaches in NFL history with 19 double-digit win seasons. You call it Elite Company… We’d do you one better, Mount Rushmore of NFL coaching. How about that?

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And given the Chiefs’ 9-1 record and the Panthers’ 3-7 struggles, it feels like a layup. But hey, it’s the NFL—never count your touchdowns before they’re scored. Remember when Big Bill (the builder of a Dynasty) called Reid “a very creative, innovative coach” back in 2018? Boy, oh boy, that wasn’t just an obligatory praise. Nope. Now, it’s clear that Belichick was tipping his hoodie to Reid’s mastery of adapting offensive schemes. From the West Coast offense to RPO concepts, Reid has turned playbooks into magic shows. And that creativity has fueled nine consecutive 10-win seasons with the Chiefs, a streak second only to Belichick’s 17 straight with the Patriots.

So, what’s standing in his way? A struggling Panthers team that’s more likely to play spoiler than savior. Even if they shock the world, Reid would have six games left to hit that golden number. And with games like the Raiders and Broncos coming in, odds are we’ll see Reid in the 10-win club—and then some.

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