The Kansas City Chiefs' offense has begun to click into gear over the past few weeks, and yes, it could be due to Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice returning, but it also could be due to a versatile rookie making his presence felt.
Running back Brashard Smith, who was also a receiver in college, has seen his touches increase over the past couple of weeks, as Andy Reid has plugged him into game situations and the rookie has produced.
Four consecutive games of 20+ receiving yards, and then against the Las Vegas Raiders, his most touches running the ball (14 attempts for 39 yards), as the rookie has been utilized in a variety of ways.
"He's done a nice job of picking it up," Reid said of Smith. "That position, you got to know the pass game, the run game, then you have these protections you got to take care of, and they get a little crazy, the protections do, and he's hung right in there and done a good job. We've been able to give him a little bit more each week, in different roles, the intangible stuff is great."
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Smith could be ace in Chiefs deck
While many fixate on the likes of Worthy, Rice, Travis Kelce, and Marquise Brown, and rightly so, what Smith is bringing in the pass game, and to a lesser extent, in the run game, has seen the offense move the ball downfield quickly.
In his last four games, Smith hasn't averaged less than seven yards per reception, so he is either moving the chains or putting the Chiefs in very favorable downs and distances, which in turn keeps the offense on track.
Granted, with Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt, Brashard will always be third string, but we saw against the Raiders how useful he can be, and the speed? That terrifies defenses.
After a slow start to his rookie season, Smith appears to be getting his feet settled underneath him, and Reid recognizes it. Yes, the Chiefs have a host of weapons, but don't discount Brashard in the list of players who might have key roles down the stretch.
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