Chiefs’ Ground Game Fails: Is De’Von Achane the Missing Piece?

The Kansas City Chiefs find themselves in an unusual and alarming position after two games into the 2025 NFL season: they are 0-2.

While losses are part of any season, what’s more concerning is the dismal state of their ground game.

Analysts have been combing through game footage, and one shocking statistic stands out: Patrick Mahomes is currently leading the team in rushing yards.

This revelation underscores a troubling reality: the Chiefs’ running backs have failed to deliver consistent performance.

With the expectations of a Super Bowl contender, this has raised serious alarm bells throughout the organization.

What the Data Shows

After two weeks, Mahomes has been thrust into a dual role, not only as the team’s quarterback but also as its leading rusher.

His ability to scramble and improvise has kept the offense somewhat afloat, but it’s not a sustainable strategy.

The running backs, particularly Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt, have been underwhelming.

Their combined yardage has been disappointing, and they have struggled to establish a reliable ground game that could ease the pressure on Mahomes and the passing attack.

Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy has openly acknowledged the challenges, emphasizing that the Chiefs are still working to develop a dependable run scheme.

This struggle is compounded by injuries and absences in the receiving corps, which have further stretched the offense thin.

Why De’Von Achane Makes Sense as a Move

In light of these issues, the idea of acquiring De’Von Achane has gained traction among fans and analysts alike.

Explosive Speed and Versatility: Achane has demonstrated himself to be a dynamic playmaker, equally effective in both rushing and receiving roles.His knack for turning modest gains into significant plays positions him as a potential game-changer for Kansas City.
Dolphins’ Weak Start: The Miami Dolphins have stumbled out of the gate, leading some analysts to speculate that they might be open to trading Achane.If he becomes available, the Chiefs could seize the opportunity to bolster their backfield.
Value and Contract Considerations: Achane is relatively affordable in terms of salary cap impact and is still young, making him an attractive investment.Adding a dual-threat back could help balance the Chiefs’ offense and reduce the burden on Mahomes.

Challenges & Counterpoints

However, pursuing Achane is not without its challenges:

Run Blocking Limitations: Even if Achane joins the team, Kansas City must address its offensive line’s run-blocking issues.Speed and talent are essential, but without effective blocking, even the most explosive backs can find themselves stymied.
Mahomes Carrying Too Much: While Mahomes is compensating for the lack of a productive run game, relying on him to shoulder this load for an entire season is unsustainable.Protecting the quarterback’s health and longevity is paramount.
Trade Risk: The Dolphins may be hesitant to part with Achane, especially given his potential.The Chiefs would likely need to part with valuable draft capital to secure a trade, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

Looking Ahead: What This Means for KC

If the Chiefs fail to make adjustments, their 0-2 start could spiral into a deeper crisis.

With tough opponents looming on the schedule, their margin for error is rapidly diminishing.

Acquiring someone like Achane could provide a much-needed spark.

Teams that successfully integrate new talent into their run game often see a corresponding boost in their passing game, creating a more balanced offensive attack.

Mahomes will require relief—whether through improvements in scheme, personnel, or a reduction in his physical workload—if the Chiefs aim to remain legitimate title contenders.

The Chiefs’ offense is currently uncharacteristically one-dimensional.

It’s never a good sign when your star quarterback is your leading rusher.

While the prospect of trading for someone like De’Von Achane is not guaranteed, it aligns perfectly with the team’s needs: speed, versatility, and the ability to address current deficiencies.

If Kansas City wants to revive its Super Bowl aspirations, revitalizing the run game is not just an option; it has become a necessity.