Chiefs' Dominance: Kenneth Walker & Patrick Mahomes Brilliance

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Outspoken With Dan Sileo

Kenneth Walker’s Impact on the Chiefs and Mounting Pressure on the Chargers

Kenneth Walker has arguably been more influential than Patrick Mahomes during the Chiefs’ start to the season. While Mahomes remains the quarterback, Walker has become the centerpiece of an offense that previously relied almost exclusively on the passing game.

Walker has helped turn the Chiefs into a run-heavy team. He keeps the chains moving, makes life easier for Mahomes and allows the quarterback to avoid carrying the entire offense following the first major injury of his professional career. Through six weeks, that injury has barely been a talking point because of Walker’s role.

That approach could become critical later in the season. The Chiefs may eventually lighten Walker’s workload to prepare him for the playoffs, asking Mahomes to carry more of the offense once he is further removed from his injury. The team could then move toward a more balanced attack while giving Walker the rest he needs for a playoff run.

Through six weeks, Walker has been the most important player in the Chiefs’ offense because the unit could not operate this way without him.

Meanwhile, the Chargers’ 0-6 start has increased the pressure on Jim Harbaugh. He may have some leeway after consecutive 11-6 seasons, but the Mike McDaniel offense provides a natural scapegoat for the team’s struggles.

A change at coordinator could come during the season or later in the year as Harbaugh tries to protect his job and get Justin Herbert back to a more acceptable level. Herbert has looked lost, and while the offensive fit may be partly responsible, the problems appear to go beyond the system.

Against the Chiefs, Herbert looked like he had no chance despite his talent. The Chargers must determine what is going wrong and how to fix it, but McDaniel currently appears most likely to take the blame.