The Kansas City Chiefs running game is still struggling to find its way after the loss of Jamaal Charles and it sounds like Todd Haley may be ready to deploy the Battle Axe.
That’s right, Addicts. It’s Jackie Battle time.
Battle, mainly a special teams player the last few years, stepped in late in the game last week to help the Chiefs put things on ice.
Haley was asked about Battle today and said that Battle could be getting more opportunities to carry the football.
“He’s a guy that wants to play, wants to contribute,” said Haley.”He’s been one of our best special teamers up to this point. That’s kind of been his calling card, but I know that he wants to be a running back and wants to contribute and he’s a guy I’m excited about.”
Battle hasn’t carried the ball a whole lot for the Chiefs during regular season games, other than a few short-yardage situations.
I used to be quite high on Battle but as the years have worn on, I have to admit I’ve lost faith. For a while I thought he could be the bigger, ground and pound back the Chiefs needed but he never really seized the opportunity. Then, after a rough preseason where he seemed to have a chronic fumble problem, I wasn’t even sure he’d make the team.
But Haley likes him and feels his is developing.
“He’s a guy that Mo Carthon has done a terrific job with in developing and he’s had to take a back seat to some pretty good runners,” said Haley. “He knows he’s going to get more and more opportunities here and he’s kind of known that here as this year began, so I think he’s just all about trying to seize those opportunities and help our team win.”
It will be interesting to see what Battle can do given extended playing time in a regular season game. Thomas Jones has been struggling and the Chiefs don’t really have any other options besides Dexter McCluster.
Battle just turned 28 on October 1 but he hasn’t had a lot of wear and tear over the years so his legs should be fresh. At 6′-1”, 238 pounds, he could be a load to bring down once he gets a head of steam. He had five carries for 22 yards last week and has 10 carries for 37 yards on the season.
What do you think, Addicts? Will the Chiefs start moving away from Thomas Jones and toward Jackie Battle? If they do, will it make a difference?