Chiefs aim to make Kenneth Walker central to run and play-action attack

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes said the team’s 2023 run game did not generate enough respect for play-action fakes, and they expect the addition of running back Kenneth Walker to change that. The coaching staff has adjusted the offense to run more snaps from under center, a formation Walker prefers, and to feature him in screen passes and short-route concepts.

"One way Walker can help transform the offense is by becoming a true dual-threat player," offensive analyst Taylor said. "His receiving skills and ability to make defenders miss will let us use play-action fakes to the back followed by a short screen back to the same player," Reid added. Walker, 25, signed a three-year, $40.05 million deal in the offseason and is expected to handle a high-volume workload as the team’s lead back. Coaches reported that more than half of the first-team snaps in camp were taken from under center, giving Walker opportunities to run between the tackles and work on his pass-catching and protection. Center Creed Humphrey described him as "a dynamic player, a freak athlete and great with his reads." The Chiefs have not been rotating backs as frequently as in recent seasons, which could raise Walker’s fantasy value. Running backs coach Eric Bieniemy emphasized that Walker must improve pass protection and route running to reach an elite level, noting his strong performance in practice. While the team plans to establish the run early, the overall offensive strategy will blend Walker’s rushing ability with expanded play-action and screen concepts.