Stop with the Chase Daniel talk….Please
By John McCarty
Sep 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid during a game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jamaal Charles is not getting nearly enough touches, and that’s exposing this entire offense. Through the first three games of the season, Charles has carried a total of 48 times, or an average of 16 per game. Not enough. Overall, this team isn’t running the ball nearly enough.
Green Bay had a defense this team should have been able to run on, and to have only received a total of 11 carries is unacceptable, especially taking into account his last carry was the last touchdown in the red zone on a play the Packers were almost in retreat mode on. Not discounting that carry specifically, pointing out the Chiefs had an issue getting the ball to Charles when the game was relevant and still mattered.
The other important factor in this discussion, like it or not, is the contract. Daniel is a free agent after this season, and quite honestly, would have been a free agent this past off season had Aaron Murray shown any kind of development. However, since Murray hasn’t developed, which isn’t much of a surprise, Daniel is here.
Smith’s contract basically ensures his presence here through next season regardless of what happens. He’s guaranteed a small country through next season.
If Reid were to make a move, it would make the next season as well as the rest of this one very difficult on everyone. At this point, there is very little to gain from putting Daniel in, because, once you do, there’s no going back.
Obviously, the issues with this team are run deeper then just who’s at quarterback. If the offense can’t run the ball more often (Charles is averaging close to 5 yards a carry, so it’s not fair to say they haven’t been effective) just an issue they don’t do it enough. If this team isn’t able to open up the defense in whatever way possible, the quarterback discussion is a moot point. Alex Smith isn’t helping the situation obviously, but lets not fool ourselves into thinking Daniel will fix anything. Because someone hasn’t failed yet, that doesn’t mean they won’t.