Last Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 17-10, improving to 4-0 on the season. Fast forward to this week, and the Chiefs kept their perfect record intact with a 26-13 win over the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football. Though the wins weren’t the prettiest, Kareem Hunt’s performance in his second start has been remarkable, especially considering he had no training camp or preseason before joining the team. After being released by Kansas City in 2018, Hunt has made an immediate impact in his first two games back.
Hunt’s first game sparked optimism among Kansas City Chiefs fans about his potential this season. Against the Chargers, he logged 14 carries for 69 yards and added two catches for 16 yards, showing the same burst and playmaking ability that once made him a star. In his second outing, Hunt carried the ball a season-high 27 times, racking up 102 yards and a touchdown in a dominant performance.
Hunt’s Impressive Return To Arrowhead
In Monday night’s game against the Saints, Kareem Hunt made his first appearance back at Arrowhead Stadium since his departure in 2018. Hunt didn’t miss a beat, finishing with 117 scrimmage yards—his highest total since 2017. His presence has provided a much-needed boost to Kansas City’s backfield.
Despite not having any official offseason training, the 29-year-old showed no signs of slowing down. He looked as explosive as ever, cutting through the Saints’ defense with ease. “It was a great feeling to get back in the end zone. I missed it very much,” Hunt said. “That’s why I threw up a heart to show my love to Kansas City.”
Head Coach Andy Reid put his trust in Hunt to carry the load, and Hunt delivered. “Coach Reid does a great job of putting us in situations to be successful,” Hunt added. His impressive performance has positioned him for a larger role, especially as Isiah Pacheco continues to recover.
A Reliable Option For the Kansas City Chiefs
Hunt’s resurgence has come at a critical time for the Kansas City Chiefs. After a subpar 2023 season with the Cleveland Browns, many questioned whether Hunt still possessed the speed and athleticism needed to be an effective NFL running back. His early showings in Kansas City have silenced those doubts.
The Chiefs’ offensive line has played a significant role in Hunt’s success, creating favorable running lanes for him. Even in tough yardage situations, the line opened space, allowing Hunt to capitalize. Against the Saints, he frequently found himself running against a lighter tackle box, racking up yards with ease.
Hunt’s 102-yard game marked his most productive rushing performance in over three years, and his ability to finish drives in the red zone has added another dimension to the Kansas City Chiefs offense. “I’m having a blast out there. It’s so much fun. I missed it,” Hunt said. With him in the backfield, the Kansas City Chiefs have a reliable veteran to relieve some pressure on Quarterback Patrick Mahomes as they deal with injuries.
Moving Forward: What To Expect
While Hunt’s strong performances have earned him the starting job for now, the Kansas City Chiefs are known for utilizing multiple backs in their offense. Kansas City has a deep running back room, but Hunt has positioned himself as the go-to option until Pacheco returns. His ability to handle a heavy workload and his impressive production have given the Chiefs’ coaching staff every reason to rely on him.
Despite carrying the ball 27 times against the Saints, Hunt remains confident in handling the increased workload. “I feel like I’m going to be alright. We have some time before we get back, so that’s good for me right now,” Hunt said, looking ahead to Kansas City’s upcoming schedule. With the Kansas City Chiefs on a bye week, Hunt has time to rest and recover, preparing for what’s next.
As Kansas City continues to chase another Super Bowl, Hunt’s performances could play a crucial role in their offensive success. If he maintains his current form, the Chiefs’ offense will only grow stronger as they enter the second half of the season.
Final Thoughts
Kareem Hunt’s back-to-back standout performances have breathed new life into Kansas City’s running game. His ability to power through defenses, catch passes, and make defenders miss has provided the Chiefs with an added offensive weapon. After his strong outing against the Saints, it’s clear that Hunt still has plenty left in the tank.
As the Kansas City Chiefs push forward, Hunt’s presence in the backfield remains a necessity. While Pacheco is expected to return eventually, Hunt’s resurgence is setting the tone for what could be a special season in Kansas City. With his recent success, Hunt’s story with the Kansas City Chiefs is far from over.
