Walker has been a central figure in the Chiefs' undefeated 2-0 start to the season, leading all NFL skill position players with 369 all-purpose yards. His involvement has been significant, as he currently shares the league lead for total touches with 59. While his production has been vital, the team is now looking to balance his contributions by increasing the involvement of rookie running back
Managing the Backfield Rotation
The decision to rotate the backfield comes after an impressive start from Johnson, who has accumulated 103 all-purpose yards on just 14 touches across the first two games. Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy emphasized the importance of developing the rookie in a controlled manner, noting that the team wants to foster confidence without overwhelming the young player. Johnson demonstrated his potential during the win over the Colts, notably forcing three defenders to collide during a 12-yard gain on a short pass.
Running backs coach DeMarco Murray praised Walker's leadership and preparation, noting that the veteran has embraced his heavy role since the spring. However, Murray acknowledged the necessity of finding the right rhythm to keep both players effective. He expressed a personal commitment to managing the substitutions more proactively, aiming to provide Walker with necessary rest while ensuring Johnson continues to gain valuable experience on the field.
Leveraging Offensive Depth
Walker's impact on the offense has been highlighted by his elusiveness, with Next Gen Stats recording 29 broken tackles through the first two weeks. Despite this high level of performance, the coaching staff remains confident that the offense can maintain its momentum by distributing touches more evenly. The upcoming game against the Dolphins will serve as the first test for this adjusted rotation strategy, as the Chiefs look to maintain their winning streak while keeping their primary offensive weapon fresh for the remainder of the season.
