KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Kansas City Chiefs weren't concerned when rookie running back Kareem Hunt's production dipped drastically for several games in the middle of the season.

They were confident that Hunt's diminished stats were a product of the many things going wrong around him and that when those issues worked themselves out, Hunt would respond.

"He came to work every day and pounded through," coach Andy Reid said. "I'm sure it wasn't easy for him. I don't think any part of this has been easy for him. It's a tough sport. But he's handled it like a champ.

"The look in his eye every day is one that he's ready to go practice and play. He brings it, and you knew everything would get worked out with his attitude and the way he keeps it."

Hunt's slump, like that of the Chiefs, is over. The Chiefs won their second straight game on Saturday night, 30-13 over the Los Angeles Chargers, to claim sole possession of first place in the AFC West at 8-6 overall. The Chiefs can clinch the division title by winning either of their final two games.

Hunt is one of Kansas City's vital offensive players, so it's no surprise he has rebounded with the team. He rushed for 155 yards and a touchdown against the Chargers and also caught a touchdown pass. He had 116 rushing yards in the previous week's win against the Oakland Raiders.

Against the Chargers, Hunt broke the Chiefs' rushing record for a rookie. He has 1,201 yards on the ground with two games to go.

"I set some early goals," Hunt said. "Honestly, the biggest thing is just to put the team in a winning position and just make the most of my opportunity. I definitely wanted to get over 1,000 yards as a rookie."

Hunt is being helped by the improved play of the offensive line. For several games, he was getting hit at or behind the line of scrimmage on a large percentage of plays.

Hunt also did a lot of good work against the Chargers, breaking seven attempted tackles and gaining 99 yards after contact, according to Pro Football Focus.

"Guys want to block for him," quarterback Alex Smith said. "They see how hard he's running. They see the effort plays that he has. I think everybody kind of feeds off of that."

Even Smith threw a block for Hunt against the Chargers on an option play after he pitched to the running back.

"He's such a special player in space," Smith said. "Strong, fast, all those things, great balance. ... He has such a knack to break a tackle or make a guy miss."