Kansas City just made a wild move, cutting veteran running back Emari Demercado, who the Cowboys snapped up off waivers. That leaves their backfield with lead back Kenneth Walker, rookie Emmett Johnson, and second-year guy Brashard Smith, who played receiver in college. The big question: Can these young backs protect Patrick Mahomes, especially since he’s coming off ACL and LCL injuries? Coach Andy Reid’s confidence in the youngsters really speaks volumes about what they’re seeing.
A New Backfield Era and Reid’s Big Bet
Look, getting rid of an experienced player like Demercado, especially with the season right around the corner, shows some serious trust in the new blood. Reid told local media, “I like the way the running backs were running. They were hitting it and seeing it. It looks like they have good vision, which helps you, too. Enough patience, but good vision.” That’s high praise for a unit with so little NFL mileage. It’s a bold play, banking on these two to step up big time for the offense.
Johnson’s Crucial Role: Keeping Mahomes Clean
Here’s the real kicker: Demercado actually prided himself on pass protection, even telling reporters, “I take a lot of pride [in pass protection]. I think that’s just where I found my niche in the league.” Now, with Mahomes needing all the protection he can get after those knee injuries, that responsibility falls squarely on these younger guys. Reid pointed out rookie Emmett Johnson, a fifth-round pick from Nebraska, as the one ready for this critical role. When asked what stood out, Reid didn’t hesitate: “Pass protection. We knew he could run the ball, but the thing we had to see was pass protection. For him to be that No. 2 back, you have to be able to do that. He’s a smart kid and willing to stick up in there.” That’s the ringing endorsement you want to hear for a guy protecting your franchise QB.
Brashard Smith: The Sparkplug on Special Teams
And don’t sleep on Brashard Smith. While Johnson is ready for the grind of pass pro, Smith is the change-of-pace back who’s really improved his game this summer. He’s splitting kick-return duties with Nikko Remigio, and he absolutely loves special teams. Smith said, “I love special teams. I feel like that’s the spark that gets the offense going. I feel like special teams is the biggest part in the game. You make a big play, that gets everybody going, everybody on offense gets going after that. I love it.” With his blazing 4.39-second 40-yard dash, Smith brings that electrifying big-play ability Kansas City will definitely try to tap into on both offense and special teams.
The Chiefs are rolling into the season with a retooled backfield, putting immense faith in youth. The stakes couldn’t be higher with Mahomes’ recovery, so Johnson’s pass protection is going to be under the microscope from day one. And if Smith can deliver those sparkplug plays, this new-look backfield could be exactly what the Chiefs need to kick things off right!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Arrowhead Pride.
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