In his first official game of his NFL career, Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Kareem Hunt put forth a historic performance against the New England Patriots.
Hunt set an NFL record with 246 yards from scrimmage for a player in their first NFL action. However, it almost didn't happen as he fumbled on the Chiefs' first offensive play of the game, which he was surprised that the coaching staff left him in the game, via Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.
“Honestly, I was kind of surprised,” Hunt told reporters on Thursday. “Coach Andy Reid said, ‘Get ready because we’re going right back to you. We’re giving you the ball.’ I was just like, ‘Wow, these guys really believe in me.’ Because if I was a coach I don’t know how I would feel about [the fumble]. I was just like, ‘Okay, I have to go out there and make something happen and forget about that play.'”
Head coach Andy Reid could have simply decided to pull out Hunt in favor of a veteran running back in Charcandrick West, but elected to keep him in. It made huge dividends as he was the primary reason for the Chiefs upending the Patriots in the season opener.
The Chiefs may potentially found their long-term solution at the running back position to immediately replace Jamaal Charles and possibly Spencer Ware in that role. He is a versatile player that can impact both the running and passing game.
There is a bright future ahead of Hunt, and it is partly due to the Chiefs keeping faith in him.
Follow Us
Subscribe