Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco. Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

RB Isiah Pacheco could be the difference-maker for Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 2/7/24

While quarterback Patrick Mahomes is the Kansas City Chiefs' main attraction, second-year running back Isiah Pacheco could be the biggest difference-maker in Super Bowl LVIII on Sunday.

The Athletic's Michael Salfino points out that the San Francisco 49ers are on pace to be one of the worst Super Bowl-winning run defenses in history. In two playoff games, they have allowed 5.6 yards per carry. They have also given up five rushing TDs after surrendering just 10 during 17 regular season games.

For context, the average Super Bowl-winning defense allows 3.8 YPC. The 2009 New Orleans Saints (5.2) and 2014 New England Patriots (5.0 YPC) are the only champions in this century who have allowed at least five YPC.

Pacheco, meanwhile, is on a roll. The 24-year-old has run for the most yards in the playoffs (254) and tied for the second-most rushing TDs (three).

POP PUNCHES IT IN pic.twitter.com/1AFaXISTOI
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) January 28, 2024

The second to last pick of the 2022 NFL Draft also stepped in Super Bowl LVII against the Philadelphia Eagles. Playing through a broken hand, he rushed for 76 yards on 15 carries and one TD en route to a 38-35 victory.

Pacheco's dealt with ankle and toe injuries throughout the playoffs. Despite this, he's ready to help Kansas City defend its title and emulate another Super Bowl champion.

"That running style is just being determined, having the mindset of getting the job done – no man can take me down," Pacheco told NFL Media's Michael Robinson Monday. "Like [former Seattle Seahawks RB] Marshawn Lynch said, 'Stand on business, 10 for 10.'"

The last RB to win Super Bowl MVP was Hall of Famer Terrell Davis with the Denver Broncos in 1998. Pacheco may do the same if he carries the Chiefs to victory in Las Vegas.

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