Toughest Opposing Running Backs On Chiefs 2022 Schedule

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Winning NFL games can be determined by a few different factors. One of the more prevalent ones, especially in today’s pass happy league, is the matchups. Who is going to come through in one-on-one battles when the X’s and O’s square off?

When looking at the 2022 schedule for the Kansas City Chiefs, there are many exciting opponents on the docket. Some star players have been dominating as veterans for quite a while. Whereas in recent seasons, some younger players have stepped right in and taken off at the onset of their professional careers.

Over the course of the next couple of weeks, we will be looking at the toughest opponents on the Chiefs schedule. This will include looking into the most daunting opposing pass rush groups or opposing pass catching groups. Most of all, we will individually rank the opposing quarterbacks on Kansas City’s schedule as well.

Today, we will look into the toughest opposing running backs on the team’s schedule. Can Kansas City finally start hot on run defense in 2022? It will take plenty of discipline from a younger defensive core. Who are the top five toughest running backs that the Chiefs will face? Let’s kick it off.

5) Leonard Fournette- Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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It may surprise some people that Leonard Fournette made the top five on this list. Nonetheless, he has done nothing but produce and make an impact since coming to Tampa Bay. His ability to handle a heavy workload allows the Buccaneers’ dangerous offense to pick their spots and stay balanced. He is challenging for tacklers to corral. Due to his overall girth and strength, Fournette gladly invites tacklers at the point of attack. In fact, he seems to enjoy certain defenders trying to bring him down, so much so that he laughs at them throughout the course of games.

BleacherReport: RT @brgridiron: Leonard Fournette really laughs when he gets tackled 🤣 (via @NFLFilms) pic.twitter.com/HgFKWZSDGV▶️ https://t.co/NKkDBVS66N ▶️ https://t.co/qwq5GEXwQp #Sportsbetting #Sportsbooks

— BetFast.com (@BetFastcom) October 31, 2019

Where else is Fournette dangerous for opposing defenses? For a larger running back, his long speed is quite impressive. He seems to find a second gear in the open field and makes other faster defenders look slow in space. Elsewhere, Fournette provides sudden cuts in tight spaces, as well as improved field vision.

4) Austin Ekeler- Los Angeles Chargers

Surprisingly, Austin Ekeler was the only AFC West running back to make this top five list. He has tormented the Kansas City Chiefs and other opponents over the last few seasons. And, he does that in more ways than one. Where Ekeler may be the most dangerous, may come with his elusiveness.

Ekeler can make defenders miss with his arm strength, fleet-footed cuts, or even with his leaping ability. He is not the most large of running backs. However, his density and stout frame allow for him to outmuscle opponents during battles late in games. Ekeler can certainly play bigger than his size. Because of that, he is one of the rare running backs who can consistently produce explosive plays.

3) Joe Mixon- Cincinnati Bengals

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It seems like Joe Mixon has been one of the more underappreciated running backs for a long while across the NFL. Other than a nagging injury that cost him most of his 2020 season, he has been highly dependable for the Cincinnati offense. His ability to win in both the open field and in between the tackles are equally as high. Where Mixon continues to shine surrounds his patience. He does well to wait and find the most direct route or angle to run towards. Or, Mixon will look to outlast opposing defenders with extreme calmness.

Mixon truly does not make a lot of mistakes. His ball security is tight. His vision is always precise when feeling out blocks. Furthermore, Mixon is rather polished when it comes to the timing of his cuts. He can pack a punch, while also still being able to provide a sense of elusiveness. The Bengals rusher has also steadily improved as one of the more appealing pass catching running backs. With his ability to create large chunk gain after large chunk gain, defenses can quickly become worn down against Mixon.

2) Jonathan Taylor- Indianapolis Colts

The workhorse from Wisconsin is easily the most dangerous rusher among the younger running backs. Last season, Jonathan Taylor finished as the league leader in carries (332), rushing yards (1,811), rushing touchdowns (18), longest rushing attempt of the season (83 yards), rushing yards per game (106.5) and total yards from scrimmage (2,171). He already has so much tread on his tires, so to speak. Nevertheless, that appears to be a better scenario for him, as Taylor tends to get stronger as the game gets deeper.

Taylor’s jackhammer-type of power is what will be his most defining trait. For example, he can practically carry multiple opponents for extra yards time after time. On the other hand, his long speed, ability to read the entire field and change of direction skills make him a complete running back. With such a heavy workload early on, one will have to wonder how long that Taylor can keep up this massive pace. If he remains healthy, there is no telling when exactly it will be that he may hit that proverbial wall.

1) Derrick Henry- Tennessee Titans

No team’s offense runs through their own running back more than the Tennessee Titans. Derrick Henry is a unicorn at his position for many factors. The first reason is due to his massive size and speed combination. On the flip side, Henry is one of the more efficient running backs, when it comes to cutting across the opponent’s face with speed and no false steps. Finally, the Titans rusher is one of the best at breaking tackles.

There are little to no answers that most defenses have against Henry. You have to either kill the engine per se and take his legs out repeatedly. Or, defenders must work on tackling with increased force at the point of attack. If Henry is back to full health this season, he will undoubtedly be the Chiefs’ toughest test among running backs in 2022. But as you can see, this year’s list is quite expansive and challenging.

Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs articles throughout this week. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.