The Kansas City Chiefs have a rich history of producing talented running backs who have made significant contributions to the team’s success. From legendary players like Priest Holmes to modern-day stars like Clyde Edwards-Helaire, the Chiefs have consistently had a strong running game. But what sets their running backs apart from others in the league?
One key factor is the team’s commitment to developing a strong running back corps. The Chiefs have a long history of investing in the running back position, whether through the draft or free agency. This commitment to excellence has allowed the team to attract and retain top talent, creating a pipeline of skilled running backs who can contribute to the team’s success.
Another important factor is the team’s offense, which is designed to showcase the skills of its running backs. The Chiefs’ offense is built around a high-powered passing attack, but it also features a strong running game that allows running backs to get involved in both the running and passing games. This versatility makes it easier for running backs to excel and puts them in position to make game-changing plays.
The Chiefs have also been fortunate to have had some exceptional running backs coaches over the years. These coaches have played a crucial role in developing the skills of the team’s running backs and helping them reach their full potential. By providing expert guidance and mentorship, these coaches have helped the Chiefs’ running backs become some of the best in the league.
So, who are some of the top-performing running backs in Chiefs history? Here are a few standout players who have made significant contributions to the team’s success:
Priest Holmes
Priest Holmes is widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in Chiefs history. During his time with the team (2001-2007), Holmes was a dominant force on the field, earning three Pro Bowl selections and setting numerous franchise records. His impressive combination of speed, power, and elusiveness made him a nightmare for opposing defenses to defend.
Larry Johnson
Larry Johnson is another highly accomplished running back who played for the Chiefs (2001-2009). Johnson was a powerful, physical runner who excelled at breaking tackles and gaining extra yards after contact. He was also an excellent receiver out of the backfield, making him a versatile threat in the Chiefs’ offense.
Jamaal Charles
Jamaal Charles is one of the most dynamic running backs in Chiefs history, playing for the team from 2008 to 2016. Charles was an electrifying player who could change the game with his speed, agility, and elusiveness. He was also an excellent receiver and return specialist, making him a valuable asset to the Chiefs.
Kareem Hunt
Kareem Hunt played for the Chiefs from 2017 to 2018 and was a key contributor to the team’s success during that period. Hunt was a physical, hard-nosed runner who excelled at breaking tackles and gaining extra yards after contact. He was also an excellent receiver out of the backfield, making him a versatile threat in the Chiefs’ offense.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire
Clyde Edwards-Helaire is the latest in a long line of talented running backs to wear a Chiefs uniform. Drafted by the team in 2020, Edwards-Helaire has quickly become a key contributor to the Chiefs’ offense. He is a dynamic, versatile running back who excels at both running and receiving, making him a valuable asset to the team.
The Chiefs' commitment to developing a strong running back corps is a key factor in their success. By investing in the running back position and creating an offense that showcases their skills, the team has been able to attract and retain top talent.
What Makes a Great Running Back?
So, what makes a great running back? Here are some key characteristics that set the best running backs apart from others:
Speed and Agility
Great running backs have the speed and agility to make big plays in the open field. They can accelerate quickly, change direction on a dime, and outrun defenders to the sideline.
Power and Elusiveness
Top running backs are also physical, powerful runners who can break tackles and gain extra yards after contact. They have the elusiveness to make defenders miss and the strength to push through tackles.
Vision and Instincts
Great running backs have excellent vision and instincts, allowing them to read blocks, find holes, and make the right cuts to gain extra yards. They have a keen sense of spatial awareness and can anticipate where defenders will be.
Receiving Skills
Many of the best running backs are also excellent receivers out of the backfield. They have the hands, route-running skills, and football IQ to make plays in the passing game, creating matchup problems for defenders.
Pros of Having a Strong Running Back Corps
- Creates a balanced offense that can attack defenses in multiple ways
- Allows the team to control the clock and dictate the tempo of the game
- Provides a safety valve for the quarterback, allowing him to dump off passes to the running back in pressure situations
Cons of Having a Strong Running Back Corps
- Can be expensive to maintain, as top running backs command high salaries and draft picks
- May limit the team's ability to invest in other positions, such as wide receiver or defensive line
- Can create roster management challenges, as the team must balance the needs of multiple running backs
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Kansas City Chiefs have a rich history of producing talented running backs who have made significant contributions to the team’s success. From Priest Holmes to Clyde Edwards-Helaire, the Chiefs have consistently had a strong running game that has allowed them to compete at a high level. By investing in the running back position, creating an offense that showcases their skills, and providing expert coaching and guidance, the Chiefs have been able to develop a pipeline of skilled running backs who can change the game.
Who is the greatest running back in Chiefs history?
+Priest Holmes is widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in Chiefs history, earning three Pro Bowl selections and setting numerous franchise records during his time with the team.
What makes a great running back?
+A great running back has a combination of speed, power, elusiveness, vision, and receiving skills, allowing them to make big plays in the running and passing games.
How important is the running back position to the Chiefs' offense?
+The running back position is crucial to the Chiefs' offense, providing a balanced attack that can control the clock and dictate the tempo of the game. A strong running back corps also provides a safety valve for the quarterback and creates matchup problems for defenders.
The Kansas City Chiefs’ commitment to developing a strong running back corps has been a key factor in their success. By investing in the running back position, creating an offense that showcases their skills, and providing expert coaching and guidance, the Chiefs have been able to develop a pipeline of skilled running backs who can change the game.
