Knile Davis: Not 40, Most Definitely a Man
Sep 21, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Knile Davis (34) is tackled by Miami Dolphins cornerback Brent Grimes (21) during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. Chiefs won 34-15. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Davis (32 CAR, 132 YDS, TD) isn’t Jamaal Charles either. Before gauging No. 25’s trade value—and after the game, prisoners of the moment were doing just said—remember this: Davis had two fumbles, two allowed sacks and one drop to his name. That being said, he runs like a miniature Minotaur.
His vision and agility aren’t quite on par with his mentor’s—if “miniature Minotaur’s mentor” wasn’t a speech exercise before, it is now—but when he sees a glimpse of daylight, Davis explodes like some kind of NOS-injected steamroller.
The second-stringer’s most notable improvement? Patience.
On this 11-yard chain-mover, Davis takes the pitch and waits for a pulling Ryan Harris to engage Brent Grimes. The tackle forces Grimes to the perimeter, Davis cuts through the crease and jukes an incoming safety before he’s dragged out of bounds. On this particular run, Davis’ vision and subtle elusiveness almost looked Priest Holmes-like. (No, I’m not comparing their careers. Drop the pitchfork.) He also makes a conscious effort to cradle the ball high and tight—a trend that later unraveled.
Even though Charles was anchored on the sideline, his presence has clearly changed his protege’s game for the better.