Chiefs NFL Besties
By Laddie Morse
With Jamaal Charles, his return would give the offense that elite breakaway speed that defenses must respect. Can he return to that level? It’s hard to argue, in his case, that he can’t. Here’s his career record to date:
Year / Yrds. / Ave.
2008 / 357 / 5.3
2009 / 1,120 / 5.9
2010 / 1,467 / 6.4
2011 / 83 / 6.9
2012 / 1,509 / 5.3
2013 / 1,287 / 5.0
2014 / 1,033 / 5.0
2015 / 364 / 5.1
Look at how Charles came back from a 2011 knee injury, which included surgery, in 2012 when he finished 4th in the league in rushing (behind Adrian Peterson- 2,097, Alfred Morris- 1,613 and Marshawn Lynch- 1,590). Charles had a career year that year. Some have pointed out that his total yards have declined dramatically following that season. However, you have to realize those offenses were built around J.C., prior to the time head coach Andy Reid came to town in 2013.
Once Reid did arrive, Charles pass receiving yards went up. In two and one-third years with Andy Reid, J.C. has had 1,161 receiving yards. Jamaal Charles has also kept his yards per carry average steady throughout his career, and consequently he remains at the top of the league in that category among all running backs in the history of the game.
When Jamaal Charles hits the field he should return to form quickly. Whether or not it is in the plans to give him his previous work load… is another question but, I expect J.C to shine this year.
Throw some Alex Smith leg work and a few De’Anthony Thomas runs in there too… and you have a dynamic running back group who ranks first in the league… in my world.
Next: What can we expect out of Tamba Hali in 2016?