How running back Kenneth Walker III could change everything for the Chiefs

On the first play of the season for the Chiefs’ offense, Patrick Mahomes handed the ball off to running back Kenneth Walker III. And the second, third and fourth, with Andy Reid establishing the team’s intent from the outset.It worked. Walker rushed for 173 yards, including a 60-yard touchdown, and the Chiefs rolled past the Denver Broncos 31-10 in a resounding season opener.On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3), columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian and Chiefs insider Pete Sweeney break down what went right, from Walker to the pressure defense, from Andy Reid’s play calling to the encouraging play of several rookies.This strong first impression may have reshaped how we look at the AFC West race and the Chiefs’ Super Bowl chances.SportsBeat KC is the sports podcast of The Kansas City Star and KCUR, hosted by Blair Kerkhoff. It’s produced by Hannah Wise, Suzanne Hogan, and Seth Jahraus, and edited by Jeff Rosen and Scott Chasen.