Kenneth Walker III Sets Career Highs In His Chiefs Debut – What’s Next For Him?

Patrick Mahomes made his long-awaited return for the Chiefs in their week one game against the Denver Broncos. Mahomes was the star heading into the game after a nine-month injury rehab. Meanwhile, new teammate running back Kenneth Walker III stole the show.

The duo used their legs to power through the Broncos’ defense as the Chiefs rushed to a 31-10 win.

From the first drive, the Chiefs played like the last season never happened. The team never trailed, and it felt like every play ended with Mahomes handing the ball to Walker. From the very first drive, the Chiefs executed their game plan as Walker’s legs brought them to the red zone.

Mahomes still drew attention on the 10th snap, using his toughness and athleticism to scramble out of the pocket, dive into the end zone, and score a 15-yard rushing touchdown while being hit by two defenders. According to Next Gen Stats, Mahomes’ top speed during the run reached 15.8 mph, 2.5 mph faster than his average speed on rushing attempts last season.

“Going for the end zone, it kind of gave me that confidence that I can go out there and be myself,” said Mahomes, who underwent surgery in December to repair a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee. “I just wanted to play. I had done so much rehab and so much work to put myself in this position. I just wanted to get out there and play. This is what you do it for. 

Walker would take some of the workload off for Mahomes as he would set a career-high of 173 rushing yards, the most by a Chiefs player since 2018, when Mahomes became the team’s starter.

According to ESPN Research, Walker became the third player since 2000 to have at least 100 rushing yards in his Chiefs debut.

“It means a lot,” Walker said of his strong debut with the Chiefs. “I see the O-line, the way they work in the weight room and the classroom. We showed it in practice, from OTAs to training camp. We just had to come out here and execute and show it.” 

Walker created 101 rushing yards after contact, the most by a Chiefs running back since at least 2018, according to Next Gen Stats. Walker forced 14 missed tackles, the most by any Chiefs player in a game during that span.

“You never know, going in, how many times you’re going to give him the ball,” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said of Walker. “For him to play the way he did, I thought it was spectacular. It was something you hope for, and you got to see it, where he was the main guy.” 

Although we have only seen one game so far, the Chiefs’ new duo could be a force to be reckoned with in the AFC.