Isiah Pacheco scores touchdown in NFL debut
Former Rutgers football running back Isiah Pacheco made his NFL debut on Sunday for the Kansas City Chiefs. In the 44-21 win, Pacheco scored a touchdown and led the Chiefs in carries and rushing yards.
Pacheco, who the Chiefs drafted with the 30th pick in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL draft, raised eyebrows in training camp and gained the attention of head coach Andy Reid for his speed and toughness.
The Vineland, New Jersey, native led the Chiefs running backs in preseason yards with 66 and touches. Those leading statistics carried on to the Chief's first regular season game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Pacheco racked up 62 yards on 12 carries, leading the Chiefs running backs in both categories. On Sunday, Pacheco broke loose for notable gains in the second half of the game and had a nice kick return before the Chiefs’ last offensive possession.
The rookie’s big moment came in the final quarter of the game. At the 7:39 mark of the fourth quarter, Pacheco plowed through the right side of the offensive line for a 3-yard rushing touchdown. To end the game, Pacheco was not only the Chiefs’ leading rusher but also the leading rusher for both teams.
Reid, a Super Bowl-winning head coach, said the Chiefs running backs were thrilled about Pacheco scoring his first NFL touchdown.
“I was talking to them towards the end of the game there. And they were cheering on the young kid, Pacheco,” Reid said after the game.
Pacheco and the Chiefs will head back to Kansas City on a short week to face off against the division rival Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday Night Football. The game will kick off at 8:15 p.m. and be streamed on Prime Video.
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