Kenneth Walker III continued his fast start with 178 all-purpose yards in the Kansas City Chiefs’ 33-30 overtime victory over the Indianapolis Colts, giving Patrick Mahomes another versatile weapon as the club moved to 2-0.
Walker handled 30 touches and repeatedly wore down Indianapolis as the game unfolded. He forced 15 missed tackles, surpassing the career-best 14 he set against the Denver Broncos a week earlier. Through two games, Walker leads NFL skill-position players with 369 all-purpose yards.
Mahomes threw for 382 yards against the Colts and embraced Walker after the decisive win at Arrowhead Stadium, calling out the running back by his “K9” nickname. The quarterback said Walker’s running has made Kansas City more difficult to defend.
“It’s enjoyable for me,” Mahomes said. “With him carrying the ball and the offensive line getting movement, defenses have to respect it. Otherwise, we can put up 200 rushing yards like we did the prior week. We want to be capable of everything — pushing the ball downfield, using play-action and running it effectively.”
What changed for the franchise
Kansas City added Walker during the offseason expecting explosive production, but his opening two weeks have exceeded those hopes. He is the first Chief since Larry Johnson in 2005 to post at least 175 all-purpose yards in back-to-back games.
Indianapolis crowded the line of scrimmage, presenting a difficult front, but Kansas City answered with screens, play-action and enough productive rushing attempts to keep the offense balanced. Walker topped 100 rushing yards, with coach Andy Reid stressing that the total did not come easily.
“They put five defenders up there, and that is a strong front,” Reid said. “We understood it would be challenging. But we mixed in screens and some play-action, and we ran efficiently enough. He cleared 100 yards, but he earned all of those yards.”
Walker said his conditioning helped him become more effective after halftime. Kansas City emphasized endurance in training camp through extended practices, preparation he said carries over when games become physical late.
“You see how a defense is playing and what it is trying to do,” Walker said. “I get stronger as the game goes on. Our conditioning makes it easier during the game.”
Walker’s impact extended beyond his carries. Mahomes completed a career-high 14 play-action passes for 137 yards and two touchdowns, while Travis Kelce produced a team-best 101 receiving yards and a touchdown. Mahomes said Walker’s rushing threat creates favorable matchups for Kelce.
“Once you establish the run, play-action becomes available,” Mahomes said. “Kenneth’s running helps get Travis into matchups he can win, and he did that.”
The Chiefs also valued Walker’s receiving ability when they brought him in. He has nine catches for 79 yards, the fourth-highest reception total on the team through two contests.
His final reception Sunday set up the winning points. On third-and-1 near midfield with under two minutes remaining in overtime, Mahomes changed to a play-action call and found Walker in the flat. Walker turned the short throw into a 22-yard gain, moving Kansas City into Harrison Butker’s range for the game-winning 40-yard field goal.
Walker said Mahomes’ ability to create when plays change or break down has made the partnership particularly enjoyable.
“It’s a lot of fun,” Walker said. “We can adjust on the fly. If someone comes open or a play breaks down, he can still make something happen. It’s great playing with him.”
