The running game has been essential to the Kansas City Chiefs’ success this season, especially after the addition of running back Kareem Hunt. After his walk-off game-winning performance in Week 9 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Patrick Mahomes praised the veteran running back during his postgame press conference on Monday.
“It’s been fun. It’s been fun to watch, man. I mean, he’s (Kareem Hunt) come in the building – since he’s been here – and he’s just got after it every single day.” said Mahomes. “He works his tail off; he prepares himself for the moment, and then whenever we get down there in like (the) fourth quarter, and (at) the end of games, he’s going to make those runs. Five to six yards (or) seven yards, whatever it is, and he’s going to finish. When you play that hard the entire game, it wears on the defense. I think guys are proud of the way he’s playing and the way he’s come about his business this year.”
Hunt ended the game with 27 carries for 106 yards and the closing score in overtime. The rain and pressure didn’t affect the 29-year-old in his second tenure with the franchise.
“He (Kareem Hunt) wants the football. I think that’s the biggest thing. As the game goes on, it’s like he starts feeling it, and he starts going,” said Mahomes. “There are certain situations where I might have throws on the outside, and I’m like, ‘Man, I’m going to give this guy the football and let him go,’ because when he’s running – even though (it’s) six-yard (or) five-yard carries, they take a toll on the defense.”
Hunt remains the starter while Isiah Pacheco recovers from his fractured fibula, but Mahomes believes the two running backs will work well together.
