Chiefs have found the missing piece that's making them look like themselves again

4 weeks ago 11

Last season wasn't characteristic of the Kansas City Chiefs, and it resulted in the team not even making it to the playoffs. For a franchise that goes to the Super Bowl on a regular basis, it was a bad and surprising look.

But going into the NFL's Week 4 games, the Chiefs are back on top. This team is 3-0, and they may have found the real difference-makers on their squad.

It certainly helps that Patrick Mahomes is back and healthy to lead this team on offense.

Kenneth Walker III has made a huge difference for the Chiefs

In a feature out on Wednesday, Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz of USA Today gives the Chiefs an A- grade for their season so far. They look like a different team than last year, in a good way. So, what's the difference? A certain Super Bowl MVP-winning running back: Kenneth Walker III.

In the piece, he says, "there's no question that the addition of NFL leading rusher Kenneth Walker III has transformed this attack. Now able to threaten teams from under center and with play-action looks thanks to its restored balance, the Chiefs are keeping opponents off base - and Patrick Mahomes is reaping the benefits."

So, what are those benefits? According to NFL research, Mahomes has notched his highest EPA per dropback at +0.21 since his second MVP season. That's pretty powerful. He's also recorded the "lowest mark for air yards per attempt (5.8, according to Next Gen Stats)," Middlehurst-Schwartz notes.

So, things are looking up for the Chiefs. Kelce just might get another ring before he hangs up the NFL towel for good, not to get ahead of ourselves.