After a night defined by frustration, penalties, and missed opportunities, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid still found one clear bright spot — running back Isiah Pacheco.

Speaking after the team’s stunning 28–24 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday Night Football, Reid was quick to highlight the 25-year-old’s complete performance. “I thought he did a good job,” Reid said. “Not only running, but catching the ball, blocking… everything that we asked of him.”

It was a simple statement, but one packed with meaning. In a game where nearly everything went wrong for the defending champions, Pacheco represented everything that still makes the Chiefs dangerous — effort, toughness, and versatility.

A Lone Bright Spot in a Chaotic Night

While the Chiefs’ offense stumbled with 14 costly penalties and missed red-zone chances, Pacheco quietly put together one of his most complete games of the season. His combination of speed, power, and awareness gave Kansas City several key drives that kept them in contention even as the momentum swung toward Jacksonville.

Pacheco finished with solid numbers both on the ground and through the air, showing off the balance that has made him a favorite of Reid’s system. But what stood out most wasn’t just the stats — it was his unrelenting energy.

Every time he touched the ball, Pacheco attacked the line of scrimmage like it owed him something. He fought for extra yards, turned short passes into crucial gains, and threw himself into blocks that gave Patrick Mahomes the time he needed to make plays.

It was, in every sense, the kind of performance that doesn’t always show up in highlight reels — but earns lasting respect inside the locker room.

Reid’s Praise Carries Weight

When Andy Reid singles out a player after a loss like this, it means something. The veteran coach, known for his calm demeanor and understated leadership, doesn’t hand out compliments lightly — especially when the team has underperformed.

“Isiah did everything we asked,” Reid reiterated. “He played with great energy and did his job in every phase of the game.”

For a coach trying to steer his team back on track after a shaky start to the season, Pacheco’s consistency offers hope. While some of Kansas City’s stars struggled to find rhythm, Pacheco proved reliable in every role — a reminder that discipline and effort still define championship football.

Pacheco’s Growth Into a Complete Back

Since being drafted in 2022, Isiah Pacheco has become one of the league’s most explosive and passionate young running backs. Known for his aggressive running style and trademark intensity, he’s quickly evolved from a late-round pick into a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ offense.

This season, his role has expanded beyond just rushing. Reid and offensive coordinator Matt Nagy have leaned on him as a pass-catcher and protector, trusting him in critical third-down situations. Monday night’s performance showed just how far he’s come — and how much more responsibility the coaching staff believes he can handle.

“He’s a guy you can count on,” said one teammate after the game. “He runs angry, but he’s smart about it. He wants to do it all — and he does.”

Lessons Amid the Loss

For all of Pacheco’s effort, the Chiefs’ overall performance left plenty to be desired. Costly penalties, blown assignments, and missed opportunities overshadowed what could have been an easy win.

But Reid’s praise for Pacheco wasn’t just about one game — it was about setting an example. In a locker room frustrated by self-inflicted wounds, the young running back’s focus and execution stood out as a model of how to respond when things go wrong.

That attitude is exactly what Kansas City needs right now. The Chiefs have stumbled to three losses faster than they have in any season of the Mahomes era, and frustration is starting to build. Pacheco’s relentless work ethic could be the spark that reignites the team’s chemistry and drive.

Looking Ahead

The Chiefs know what they need to fix — fewer mistakes, more composure, and better execution in key moments. But amid the noise, Andy Reid’s words about Pacheco echo loudly.

“He did a good job in all areas,” Reid said once more. “Running, catching, blocking — he’s doing everything the right way.”

That’s not just a compliment. It’s a statement of trust — the kind of endorsement that can change a player’s role and shape the team’s offensive identity moving forward.

As the Chiefs prepare for their next matchup, don’t be surprised if Isiah Pacheco becomes an even bigger part of the game plan. Because while Kansas City searches for answers, Reid already knows where to look for effort, reliability, and heart.

And on Monday night, even in defeat, that heart belonged to number 10.