Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Isiah Pacheco was the unlikely hero in a close 31-28 victory over division rivals Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday night. With the game on the line, the 7th round draft pick displayed power and strategy beyond his years to punch in the winning touchdown.

Tied 28-28 late in the fourth quarter, the Chiefs relied on their imposing ground game to mount a 12-play go-ahead drive. Facing a 4th and goal from the Chargers’ 1-yard line, offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy put his trust in Pacheco to finish the job.

According to sources, the rookie running back specifically requested an inside dive play to attack the endzone. “Pacheco was adamant that he wanted to attack the A-gap and leap over the top. He demanded the ball in the crucial moment and delivered,” reported CBS insider James Palmer.

Channeling his inner Superman, Pacheco soared over a mass of linemen and crossed the goal line upside down with just 31 seconds left. His airborne flip sent Arrowhead Stadium into a frenzy, securing a statement win for Kansas City.

Pacheco finished with 107 bruising yards on just 15 carries, averaging 7.1 yards per attempt against a stingy Chargers defense. The seventh-rounder has seized the Chiefs’ lead back role thanks to his combination of speed, strength and fearlessness between the tackles.

His teammates and coaches praised Pacheco’s confidence and competitive fire after the impressive primetime performance. According to head coach Andy Reid, the rookie brings “an relentless attitude” that lifts the entire squad.

With Pacheco hitting his stride down the stretch, the Chiefs appear poised to defend their AFC West title. The New Jersey native’s emergence adds smashmouth power to Kansas City’s multifaceted offense.