Chiefs 2015: Five most important players for success

Oct 19, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) waits for the snap next to running back Jamaal Charles (25) during the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

4. Jamaal Charles

Yes, Jamaal Charles is coming in fourth on the list. Why? Look, there is no disputing who the most talented player on offense is for Kansas City. Whenever Charles has the ball, he is a legitimate threat to score from anywhere on the field. He’s a home-run hitter, but just as importantly he is a devastating weapon both out of the backfield on passing downs and when asked to block.

If Charles begins to really fall off during his age-28 season, Kansas City is in a ton of trouble. However, Charles does have a backup in Knile Davis with some talent. Davis is nothing like Charles both in style and production, but he’s not the end of the world either. It would not be stunning if Davis rushed for 1,000 yards as a starter, but let’s hope we don’t have to find out if he can.

Charles is a major part of what the Chiefs do, and they need him to play like the All-Pro he is. Last year, Charles was slowed by ankle and foot problems, yet still went over 1,000 rushing yards. If he can continue to give that type of production, Reid’s job becomes much easier. Perhaps even more importantly, Alex Smith doesn’t need to carry all the weight.

Still, there are three other players who Kansas City needs to make it happen in 2015, even more than Charles. Hopefully, general manager John Dorsey and Reid can count on Charles to continue his march toward Canton, Ohio and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

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