The Kansas City Chiefs were the #1 running team in the league a season ago but in 2011, without Jamaal Charles, they are nothing more than average.
The Chiefs currently rank 14th in the league in rushing. The team is averaging 110.8 yards per-game.
Currently the team’s leading rusher is Dexter McCluster with 164 yards on 28 carries. He is followed by Thomas Jones with 111 yards on 39 carries.
With Jones only averaging 2.8 yards per carry, the Chiefs may look to pair Dexter McCluster with Jackie Battle moving forward. Battle only has 10 carries thus far this season for 37 yards.
Chiefs coach Todd Haley seemed to indicate in one of his press conferences this week that Battle would see an increased role in the offense. He did not, however, say how much of an increased role.
I don’t blame Haley for wanting to give Battle more looks. As much as he might love Thomas Jones, 2.8 yards per carry just isn’t going to get it done. Battle may not be spectacular but he probably can’t be any less productive than Jones as been this season.
It will be intriguing to see what Battle can do if given extended playing time. We’ve seen him play a lot in the preseason between 2nd and 3rd string offensive lines but other than a spare short-yardage carry here and there, Battle has never really gotten extended playing time behind a starting line.
What do you think, Addicts? Will Battle get significant carries today or will we still get a heavy dose of Thomas Jones?