Kansas City Chiefs RB Jerick McKinnon is on a hot streak over the past two weeks, emerging as an offensive playmaker for the team.
McKinnon carried the ball just 16 times for 72 yards and a game-winning score over the past two weeks, but he’s been a dynamo in the passing game. Against the Broncos and Texans, McKinnon combined for 15 catches for 182 yards and three scores. No Chiefs skill player has more combined yards or touchdowns in that span.
On Tuesday, Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes spoke about what has enabled McKinnon to have such a breakout performance during the past two games.
“Yeah, he’s just a true professional,” Mahomes said of McKinnon. “He does everything the right way when he’s in the building. He’s taking care of his body every single day and he does everything – like I said, he does everything the right way. So he protects well, he runs routes well, he runs the ball well. And so, we can have him in there and trust that he’s going to know exactly the protection assignment, where to be at, on time and whenever we give him the runs, he’ll make plays.”
With Clyde Edwards-Helaire on injured reserve and Isiah Pacheco still learning the ropes as a rookie, McKinnon has been involved in every facet of the game. His impact is being felt on a weekly basis because of his veteran prowess. In short order, he has become one of the indispensable skill players on offense alongside the likes of Travis Kelce and JuJu Smith-Schuster.
“He’s a great player, but even a better dude,” Mahomes concluded. “And I think that’s why everybody loves having him on the team.”
