Even though the Kansas City Chiefs are 3-1 to open the 2023 NFL season, it hasn’t necessarily been because of the play of star quarterback Patrick Mahomes as he’s been fairly inconsistent by his standards. But he knows that, and he’s praising one young star for keeping them on track despite his struggles.
During his press conference this week, Patrick Mahomes praised second-year running back Isiah Pacheco for what he means to the team’s offense.
“That’s what makes this team so great, and it’s a great job by [G.M.] Brett Veach and coach [Andy] Reid of bringing in great players,” Mahomes said in his Wednesday press conference. “Even when I’m not playing my best, we have guys like Isiah who can dominate the run game.”
Mahomes made it clear that with Pacheco, sometimes he simply takes the approach of just saying “‘Man, just give this man the football and let him go.’”
“He accepted the challenge, and that’s what makes this team great,” Mahomes said. “It’s not just me, it’s everybody. I think we are all finally seeing that as the season goes along.”
Pacheco is a talented playmaker, but perhaps his most important attribute is that he’s consistent.
“If I’ve ever seen a young guy be consistent, it’s that guy,” Mahomes said. “I mean you have to calm him down because he wants to go as hard as he can every single play, and that’s what the great ones do. I don’t know if y’all saw but he scored a touchdown, but I don’t know if his feet ever landed in the touchdown, he like jumped all the way.
“That’s his energy every single day. Just as much in the locker room, the meeting room and on the practice field and game days, so I don’t think we have to worry about him being consistent.”
There’s a reason why the Chiefs have been to three Super Bowls in four seasons, and it’s not just because of Patrick Mahomes. It’s because they surround him with talent, and Pacheco is just another example.
