KANSAS CITY MO. — Running back Jerick McKinnonThey played a significant role in the success of the project. Kansas City ChiefsPlay against the Wild-Card Round playoff match to win Pittsburgh SteelersOn Sunday, he also offered his coaches some thoughts to think about as they prepare for the divisional round against the Buffalo Bills.
McKinnon was a major player in the Chiefs’ push for more playing time. He rushed for 61 yards, and caught six passes for an impressive 81 yards. 42-21 winOver the Steelers. His first touchdown was a 4 yard pass from the Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes.
McKinnon was featured because his 12 regular-season carry matches the 12 he saw on Sunday against Steelers. Clyde Edwards-HelaireI sat with an injured shoulder. Darrel WilliamsAn injured toe limited my ability to use the facilities.
McKinnon was able to play well enough for him to claim more snaps against Bills Sunday (6:30 pm. ET, CBS) or beyond if Chiefs advance.
Mahomes stated, “I’ve seen from training camp that he is a playmaker.” He’s been a player in this league for the past few years. He had to deal with injuries throughout his career, and this season he was not without some. But he never lost his determination. He worked hard.
“I knew that he would fill in well with the help of some other guys who were down and dinged up.”
McKinnon experienced some great moments in his early career with the Minnesota Vikings. In his four first four NFL seasons, he rushed for over 500 yards three times.
He moved to the San Francisco 49ersA knee injury ended his season and Sunday’s game was his chance to make up the difference.
McKinnon explained that when you get into a position like that, and you’re fighting back, the best thing to do is to keep your head down. “The hard work I did over the past two years to overcome everything paid off, it showed.”
McKinnon suffered hamstring injuries that caused him to miss several games in the first half of the season. His absence was a blessing, he said. He was available to fill the Chiefs’ larger roles against the Steelers.
Coach Andy Reid stated, “He gives me all kinds of confidence because of the way he handles himself.” “He’s a confident fellow.” [and]He’s smart and a great athlete. It felt as if he was going to do a great job. He can catch the ball and run it. He has good vision.”
Tight end Travis Kelce“He just brings the enthusiasm,” said one of his teammates. He’s an aggressive, nonstop, downhill runner who never stops running when he gets the ball. It’s a lot of fun to play with. It’s great to block. When you have a guy back there with his abilities, you know you have the upper hand.
The Chiefs don’t know yet how they will split their backfield work against Bills, or if Edwards-Helaire and Williams are ready to take on full responsibility. They had options with Edwards-Helaire and Williams, but McKinnon now seems to be an option.
McKinnon stated that the running back group McKinnon has is “very deep” and has been showing results.