Jerick McKinnon has been the most impactful presence in the Kansas City Chiefs’ backfield this season, and it isn’t just his work in the ground game that has him turning heads.
Instead, his role as Patrick Mahomes’ bodyguard on passing plays has the nation talking about the ninth-year running back. He told reporters on Thursday about his mentality as a blocker and made it clear that his short stature gives him the drive he needs to fight off pass rushers who seek to penetrate Mahomes’ protection in the pocket.
“Passion…I got ‘little-man syndrome,'” McKinnon said. “Yeah, I got little-man syndrome, so I don’t know, maybe that’s what it is. And then like I was saying to someone earlier, it was something that I’ve never done in college, so obviously coming to the league, it being new and something I had to work at. (I) accepted the challenge and it has gotten me this far and (it’s) something that going to keep you around as a running back in this league. So, I take big pride in that area – more than running and catching the ball – for real.”
He continued his comments on the matter by saying that the key to successful pass protection isn’t necessarily about technique or preparation, but that his effort and desire to dominate his opponents gives him the edge on Sundays.
“You’ve just got have will, it’s just all heart and will,” McKinnon explained. “You have technique and all stuff like that to clean it up, but at the end of the day it’s one-on-one, so you’ve just got to have the will for it.”
Though he certainly does his best to make up for his slight frame, he knows that his stature puts him at a disadvantage against bigger defensive linemen. Still, for McKinnon, it is his insistence on excellence in pass protection that motivates him. He even admitted it in a way that might seem bizarre to some fans.
“I’m not going to lie, there are some big guys coming full speed,” McKinnon said. “You’ve got to be a little crooked in the mind, for sure. It’s what makes the game fun. Me and the O-Line, we always joke about it. It’s all aspects of the game for me that make it enjoyable — whether it’s running, catching, blocking, blocking downfield, whatever I can help the team do to be successful.”
With respect to what he does to prepare for his blocking assignments, McKinnon told the media that the time he spends with the Chiefs’ offensive linemen helps him ensure the protection of Kansas City’s franchise quarterback.
“Just staying on top of my keys, knowing what protections are called, the possible scenarios that could work out,” McKinnon said. “Just getting together with the O-Line and you know talking through things. Maybe some unscouted looks (opponents) might present. Just situations like that and making sure everybody is on the same page. Do whatever it takes to keep Pat (Mahomes) clean in the pocket and give those guys on the outside opportunities to make plays.”
Heading into Sunday’s matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, McKinnon seemed to know that he would have his hands full in protecting Mahomes. Especially given the injury that the quarterback suffered last week, McKinnon left no doubt that his tough-as-nails mentality would remain a constant in the AFC Championship Game.
“For me, it’s going to be the same thing,” McKinnon said. “If he needs me, just be there, be available, have his back in pass protection – whatever it is. Keep him clean in the pocket.”
