NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

NFL Week 14 reactions: Justin Herbert-Tua Tagovailoa debate officially over

By Logan Lazarczyk

Dec 11, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws against the Miami Dolphins during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws against the Miami Dolphins during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
NFL
Dec 11, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) carries the ball in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

NFL Week 14: The Chiefs need to stick with the run game

Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos gave me flashbacks to last year’s AFC Championship game against the Bengals.

Kansas City jumped out to a 27-0 lead against the Broncos before two terrible interceptions by Patrick Mahomes opened the door for the Broncos’ comeback. Russell Wilson led Denver to scoring drives, cutting the lead to 27-14 before halftime. The Broncos scored another touchdown bringing the score to 27-21.

The Chiefs would struggle to put the game away, something that Kansas City seems to struggle with because they get in their own way.

Isaiah Pacheco had 41 yards on seven carries in the first half with his last carry in the half coming at the eight-minute mark. The Chiefs abandon the run game too early in games, and that has cost them games, and nearly cost them a game they had no business losing.

The Chiefs continued to force the passing game in the second half, and completely nullified Pacheco while doing so. Kansas City would give Pacheco six more carries where he totaled 29 yards. If given more opportunities, the rookie running back could have easily run for at least 90 yards.

If the Chiefs want to put games away early and keep their young defense off the field, run the ball, especially from the single back formation. Running out of shotgun has been much less successful for the Chiefs compared to running the ball with Mahomes under center.

Home/NFL