'He's our energy guy' - Chiefs OC Matt Nagy explains why he expects big things from RB Isiah Pacheco in 2025

Much of the intrigue surrounding the Chiefs' offense in 2025 is the expected return of the deep passing game, but the running attack could also use a boost.

Kansas City ranked 24th in rushing offense in 2024, and its 4.0 yards per carry average was the fourth-worst in the legue. Starting running back Isiah Pacheco missed nine games due to a fractured fibula, and wasn't the same when he returned. He also battled through a rib injury late in the season.

Pacheco is now fully healthy and has added some extra muscle to be able to endure the physical grind of running back life in the NFL. While speaking to the media on Monday, offensive coordinator Matt Nagy

"He's our energy guy," Nagy said. "Whatever he does, he brings it every single play. Last year, we lost a little bit of that when he got hurt. Then he came back, and I don't know if, with his weight and everything, where exactly he was. But he came into OTAs this year, and then into training camp with a really good weight, playing fast. You see it on tape. You see him finishing every single play. There's a focus that he has right now. He's locked in. I think he's very, very motivated. He felt what we felt last year, and he's a leader now. This is no longer his first or second year. He's become a leader, and we need him."

Pacheco would have likely been a 1,000-yard RB in 2022 had he began the season as the starter, and again in 2023 had he not missed three games. After an injury plagued 2024, he has the opportunity to put it all together in 2025. However, he has to remain healthy. If he can, Pacheco could cash in big as he heads towards free agency at the conclusion of the season.