Over the last two games, the Kansas City Chiefs‘ rookie running back Brashard Smith has become more involved in the offense over the last couple of weeks. His 19 snaps during Sunday’s 37-20 victory over the Baltimore Ravens were more than twice the number he’s had in any of this season’s contests.
That’s exactly what the team intended for Smith, whom general manager Brett Veach selected in the seventh round of April’s draft.
“We’ve been trying to increase some of his play time,” head coach Andy Reid told reporters after Sunday’s game. “He’s got a lot of talent, so we’re working him in different spots… Brett’s done a nice job with these rookies that are playing in the game — and we’ve got a few of them. We’re just giving them a little bit at a time as we go.”
Upon reflection, Reid is pleased with what he’s been seeing from the 22-year-old running back — and his new teammates.
“Just from a mental standpoint, he’s picked it up well,” the coach said on Thursday. “He’s in a good room where guys can help him. [In the past, they’ve] done some of things that we’re asking him to do. He’s willing to listen. He is a very humble kid — and works hard.”
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes agrees with Reid.
“He’s done a great job,” he said of Smith on Tuesday. “Just like any other rookie in this offense, you give [him] more and more every week. He’s done a good job of taking it in — and going out there and executing at a high level. We’ll continue to do that.”
Mahomes especially appreciates Smith’s background. After spending three years as a wide receiver at Miami of Florida, he switched to running back after transferring to Southern Methodist University in his senior year.
“He’s played receiver a lot, so he can run routes,” noted Mahomes. “He also played running back, so he can run between the tackles. Those are special football players to have, because it keeps the defenses guessing.”
Smith’s versatility was on full display against the Ravens. On Kansas City’s first offensive drive, he smoked Baltimore defensive back Marlon Humphrey on a seam route out of the backfield.
But Reid understands the challenge Smith and his fellow running backs will face against the Jacksonville Jaguars during Week 5’s “Monday Night Football” matchup.
“This group that we’re playing this week is pretty stiff in the run game,” he admitted.
Jacksonville has allowed the NFL’s fourth-fewest rushing yards — 82.8 yards per game — and the eighth-fewest yards per attempt: just 3.9 yards.
Reid, however, sees it as a challenge that will help his young players improve.
“You’ve got some young guys in there that haven’t played a lot together,” he noted, “and I think just the more reps they get, [the better]. Game reps are so important on that.”
