Kansas City Chiefs' rookie running back Kareem Hunt was back at it on Sunday in Kansas City's win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Expectations were high for Kansas City's rookie tailback after his record-shattering performance in the season-opener against New England, and he didn't disappoint.
Hunt, whose 246 yards from scrimmage last week were the most in NFL history for a player's debut, tallied 109 yards scrimmage yards on Sunday. The rookie rushed for 81 yards on 13 carries and two touchdowns while hauling in three catches for 28 yards.
His two scores made it five touchdowns on the season in just two games, again ushering the University of Toledo product into the record books, as he matched the NFL record for touchdowns through a player's first two games since 1921. Jahvid Best (2010) and Billy Sims (1980) are the only other players to do so since then, with Dutch Sternaman holding the all-time record with six in 1920.
Though despite his performance, Hunt isn't getting caught up in the hype.
"Honestly, I just want to keep doing what I do," Hunt said. "I just want to keep helping this team win, and that comes from the offensive line and everybody else striving to finish."
Hunt's first score of the game came on a 53-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter, as the rookie took advantage of a mammoth hole created by the offensive line. Hunt handled the rest, outrunning the defense.
"It's just about being able to make plays," Hunt said. "You have to take advantage of those situations and not be caught from behind or anything. I'm a guy that likes to finish off runs."
The 53-yard scamper was Hunt's second score of at least 50-plus yards in as many weeks.
While his speed has generated a good deal of attention, and for good reason, the 208-pound Hunt also showed off his ability as a power back on Sunday.
His second touchdown of the afternoon, which put the game on ice for Kansas City, was a two-yard, pile-pushing run up the middle on the goal line.
"I pride myself in being a balanced running back with some speed, some power and just being able to finish," Hunt said. "You have to fight for every yard."
And Hunt does just that, as he's already developing a reputation for breaking tackles and refusing to go to the ground.
He averaged an NFL-best 3.2 yards after contact in Week 1, and ran with that same tenacity on Sunday right out of the gate. On his first catch of the game early in the first quarter, Hunt broke six tackles for a 16-yard gain.
It's the attitude in which Hunt plays the game, and one that displays a desire to prove himself on each and every play. The rookie said it best when describing his celebration following his second touchdown, where he laid down and pretended to be sound asleep in the end zone.
"Stop sleeping on me," Hunt said. "That's what I want to let everybody know."
Through two games, Hunt has everyone's attention.
