Will Kansas City Chiefs’ Knile Davis have more workload in 2015?
By Nick Floyd
Dec 28, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Knile Davis (34) returns a kick against the San Diego Chargers in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 19-7. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Current Kansas City Chiefs player Knile Davis is not your typical NFL backup running back.
Davis excels in special teams, and has shown that when All-Pro running back Jamaal Charles is injured, he has the talent and ability to fill the void.
Davis came out of the 2013 draft with fumbling issues that have hindered his productivity for the offense; his biggest contribution to the organization has been in the return game. He has recorded a kickoff return for a touchdown each of the past two seasons. He has 1,150 total return yards in two years, and averages 29.5 yards per return. Davis also set a Kansas City Chiefs record with his 108-yard kickoff return against Denver. Just in case you do not remember, the following is presented for your viewing pleasure.
Knile Davis versus Denver Broncos special teams 2014
Davis has been the go-to man in the return game for the two last years. Even with the speedy De’Anthony Thomas starting to take some returns on occasion, Davis is still the man and will continue to be so.
Davis has started showing some improved skills in the passing and the running game for the team.
In the two years he has been with KC, he has rushed for 705 yards and 10 touchdowns. However he has seemed to take a little step backward as he fumbled the ball three times in 2014, but only once in 2013. Active in the receiving game as well, he has 222 yards receiving and one impressive touchdown for 70 yards against the rival Oakland Raiders.
But even with all those career accomplishments, he has seemingly taken a back seat to the starter Charles, and that is expected. Jamaal is a unique player — tough, fast and elusive. Having Davis sit behind Charles and learn from the best running back the Chiefs have had in many years is not a bad thing. Many backup players sit behind the starter to not only learn the position but gain the advantage of their already vast football knowledge, and that is what Davis has been doing.
Next: So, will Davis see more action than before?