From Solid to Surging, Isiah Pacheco’s Production Jump Has Fans Asking What Sparked the Chiefs’ Secret Shift
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco hasn’t gotten off to the start he wanted to in 2025.
Pacheco has been held under 40 rushing yards in four out of five games, and is only the third leading rusher on the team with 163 yards. He has struggled with patience and vision, which has prevented him from breaking off long runs.
While speaking to the media on Wednesday, Pacheco said that he has been working on balancing running hard with being patient and waiting for holes to open up.
“I’m detailing my work throughout the weeks here,” Pacheco said. “Every week is getting faster and faster. You got guys coming out more hyped to play us. We’re getting their best every week. So, we got to come out rolling, and it starts in practice.”
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Chiefs have been utilizing Isiah Pacheco’s receiving skills more
Pacheco has caught five passes for 33 yard and one touchdown over his last two games. While those aren’t earth-shattering numbers by any means, it has allowed him to contribute in a different manner, leading him toward finding the endzone for the first and only time this season.
Pacheco went on to describe to reporters his mindset as a receiver.
“I’m having fun out there being able to catch the ball as a part of the game,” Pacheco said. “When we’re out there at practice, being the last line of defense, passing-pro is first, then you got to go out there and get into the route. You got a lot of things flying at you, but when you got the trust with the quarterback, and you’re the last line of defense, just be ready. Eyes open. When you catch in the flat, you got like five [or] six guys flying at you because the point of direction you’re heading to. You got to get vertical. I just find areas to work in and have fun with it.”
Pacheco hasn’t had a breakout performance yet, but has quietly averaged a solid 4.8 yards per carry over his last three games. If the Chiefs keep mixing things up with him as a rusher and receiver, it could open things up a little more for him. Having wide receivers Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice (after Week 6) back will also take pressure off of Pacheco and the rushing attack.
