Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco enjoyed another breakout game before his night ended early against the Packers on ‘Sunday Night Football.’
The second-year rising star was dominating Green Bay’s defense, bulldozing anyone in his path on his way to 123 total yards and one rushing touchdown to provide a spark to Kansas City’s offense.
However, when the Chiefs needed their backfield playmaker the most on a potential game-winning drive, he was unavailable after letting his emotions get the best of him.
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Why was Pacheco ejected from the game on the final drive against the Packers? The Sporting News takes a closer look below.
Isiah Pacheco’s ejection, explained
Tensions were high when Kansas City got the ball trailing 27-19 with 1:09 to play in the game.
Star QB Patrick Mahomes got a favorable unnecessary roughness call to help the Chiefs advance the ball down the field, then the Packers had a game-sealing scoop-and-score called back after WR Rashee Rice was ruled down by contact before he fumbled.
As that potential game-altering play unfolded, Pacheco was on the ground being “blocked” by Packers CB Keisean Nixon, and the Chiefs RB didn’t care for his opponent’s antics.
When he finally got to his feet, he was quick to throw a punch at Nixon’s helmet, which resulted in an automatic ejection.
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— wow that was crazy (@CowardlyDoggo) December 4, 2023
Pacheco’s ejection came at an inopportune time, especially after the scoop-and-score was called back and the Chiefs retained possession to try and win the game.
On the next play, Mahomes tried to take a shot downfield to WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who was draped by Packers CB Carrington Valentine, but the referees did not call what appeared to be clear defensive pass interference in a polarizing moment of the contest.
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Pacheco’s backup, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, picked up one catch for eight yards on the final drive, but Mahomes and the Chiefs couldn’t pull off the comeback.
After a few shots at the end zone fell incomplete, Green Bay came away with a hard-fought 27-19 win over the defending champions.
Will Isiah Pacheco be suspended for ejection vs. Packers?
Pacheco will not be suspended for any games for throwing a punch and getting ejected against the Packers on “Sunday Night Football.”
According to the NFL’s official operations site, a player will be fined $38,349 for their first fight offense. If there is a second offense, the player will be fined $76,702.
Although the fine will be a hit to the 24-year-old’s bank account, it is massive for the Chiefs that Pacheco will not miss any game time.
Pacheco is enjoying a breakout season with 779 rushing yards, six rushing touchdowns, 33 receptions, 209 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown to take full control of Kansas City’s RB1 role.