Running backs impress in new Chiefs offense

Many speculated this offseason how different the Kansas City Chiefs offense would be in 2022.

One game in, the outcome looks the same.

The Chiefs piled up 488 yards in more than 34 minutes of time of possession to take care of the Arizona Cardinals 44-21 on Sunday in Glendale, Arizona. Of course, the offense starts with quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and he continued to do Mahomes-like things, going 30-for-39 with 360 yards and five touchdowns.

But it was the running backs that impressed the most in Week 1.

Starter Clyde Edwards-Helaire carried the ball seven times for 42 yards, and helped set the tone early with three carries of seven yards or more on the opening drive.

Edwards-Helaire scored two touchdowns on receptions out of the backfield, including a nice slip out out right on 4th-and-two where he was left wide open. Edwards-Helaire caught three passes for 32 yards.

Veteran Jerick McKinnon recorded 22 yards on four carries and to go with three receptions for 27 yards. Finally, rookie seventh-round draft pick Isiah Pacheco got involved, helping kill the clock with a team-high 12 carries and 62 yards with a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

All three running backs complemented Mahomes well, and they were able to break into open space throughout Sunday's contest. Edwards-Helaire and McKinnon each had 18-yard totes while Pacheco scampered for a 22-yard gain late in the game. The trio combined for 23 rushes for 126 yards.

The Chiefs offense was near-unstoppable Sunday. The offensive line was stout, helping push upfield while making sure Mahomes stayed off the ground. The Cardinals didn't record a sack.

Next up for Kansas City is its home opener against division rival Los Angeles Chargers, who defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 24-19 on Sunday.