Jamaal Charles 8th In NFL Network Rankings

Jamaal Charles is the second best running back in the league, but the folk at NFL Network disagree.

Charles came in 8th overall in the NFL Network’s player rankings, which made him the fifth Chiefs player to make the list for 2013. One of the best running backs in all of football, Charles was only one touchdown and 20 yards from scrimmage away from becoming the 10th player in NFL history to have 2,000 yards from scrimmage and at least 20 touchdowns. The only reason why he did not get there was because the Chiefs benched him in week 17 in preparation for the playoffs.

The NFL rankings place Adrian Peterson as the top running back and number four overall player, a decision with which I have no problem. LeSean McCoy’s rating over Charles and number five placement on the list is something with which I do take issue. By no means is McCoy a terrible running back, but he is not game planned for in the same way as Charles. Who is the other weapon in the Chiefs offense after Charles? Better question, is there another weapon on the Chiefs offense after Charles?

Charles’ ability to remain productive at an elite level while also being at the center of every defenses’ attack is what separates Charles from McCoy. There may not be a non-quarterback in the NFL right now who can impact and dictate a game the way Charles and Peterson do for their respective teams. McCoy has not proven to be a running back who can be mentioned in the same way.

Enough of the bitching, congrats to Charles for being awesome. Here’s to Charles’ top 10 appearance and an even better 2014.