For the Kansas City Chiefs’ Jamaal Charles, the year Andy Reid became the head coach was the year he became so much more in the offense. Charles, who had already established himself as the franchises top weapon, was already a threat on the ground long before the mustache came into town.
In fact, the year before Reid and general manager John Dorsey got in, Charles posted the best rushing yardage of his career at 1,509 yards on the ground. But even with the high numbers, Charles was only able to score five rushing touchdowns in 2012.
Charles was not overly active in passing game, either, collecting 35 receptions for 236 yards and one touchdown. He was the Chiefs best offense weapon but his numbers seemed small for a player that is such a huge part of the organization.
Charles’ stats after Reid and company came to town were impressive. In 2013, Charles amassed 1,980 total combined yards with 19 total touchdowns. Kansas City went on to make the playoffs and signaled the best single-season turnaround in franchise history.
In 2014, injuries plagued the seventh-year player. Charles saw his numbers drop dramatically from the year before, rushing for 1,033 yards and nine touchdowns, albeit still on 5.0 yards per carry. He also caught just 40 passes for 291 yards, down from the 70 receptions and 693 yards of 2013. Charles seemed to be aging, as the life span of an NFL running back starts to dip around 30 years old.
Had the 28-year-old finally hit that wall that all running backs face at some point in their careers? Some thought it was so.
What can we expect from Jamaal in 2015?
Charles has said in interviews he did not really feel like himself last year. This could have been the reason for the lack of productivity. Of course, Kansas City did not really have another viable threat in the offense besides tight end Travis Kelce, which could have led to more attention on Charles.
As for the upcoming season, the Chiefs have added some players in Chris Conley and Jeremy Maclin. Second-year receiver De’Anthony Thomas also had flashes of his potential, and should have a bigger role in his second year. Knile Davis is also a factor, proving himself as a solid back when Charles needs a spell or is out of the lineup.
Yet, if the Chiefs do struggle on the offense, Charles will once again get a little wear and tear during the season. Charles is still a top weapon for Kansas City, and if he is able to get healthy, Chiefs fans can expect a return to form.
There you have it, Addicts. Do you think Charles will bounce back in 2015? Let us know in the comments.
Thanks for reading.
Go Chiefs!