Jamaal Charles back, but things different for Chiefs
![Oct 11, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) is helped off the field against the Chicago Bears in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Chicago won the game 18-17. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports Oct 11, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) is helped off the field against the Chicago Bears in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Chicago won the game 18-17. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/8f9c3d5373507b4727904291761a43305316071d7718c2f8af8ae96ac773a960.jpg)
Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West, after posting 1,200+ yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns, are dependable options Reid can use to keep Charles fresh in 2016. Should Knile Davis stick around, the team will have four viable options at running back with the ability to hit the home run ball from anywhere on the field.
Platooning the three of them should produce on the field what may well be the best running back group in the NFL (on paper). With Charles headed for 30 — in late December — it’s probably wise for Reid to spell Charles and extend his shelf life as a gamebreaker.
Charles and Maclin started the 2015 season together, but the team’s No. 1 receiver seized the opportunity to demonstrate his value to this offense. His presence gives Kansas City yet another dynamic playmaker capable of creating chunk plays. As a receiver, he’s perfectly suited for this offensive system and even just 10 yards down the field, he has the ability to chew up yardage with crisp route-running and exceptional speed.
The No. 2 receiver spot is far from settled, but just a slight improvement over 2015 gives this team another bona fide offensive weapon (along with Charles, West, Ware, Maclin and Kelce). The key for Reid will be using personnel groupings, with that sextet, to create mismatches for opposing defenses.
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