History repeats itself: Chiefs’ Ware the new sheriff in town

What about Charles’ game-breaking speed?

I’m not foolish enough to argue that Ware is in any way comparable where speed is concerned. Charles has world-class speed. He was a four-time All-American in track at the University of Texas. He’d smoke Ware’s boots in a foot race, but ask yourself if Ware’s ever looked slow with the ball in his hands? He ran a 40-time in the low-4.5 range coming out of college, but he clearly plays faster than he times.

Ware’s also an excellent runner in the open field who’s more likely to break tackles than Charles. All said, his power running style may make up for what he loses to Charles in pure speed.

There are certainly areas where Charles is still superior. Some of them will show up in a box score (like his knack for finding the end zone). Charles’ ability to pick up the blitz isn’t as easily quantifiable, but it makes him Kansas City’s best option on third down. Andy Reid can also use Charles to spell Ware.

Part of what powered the Chiefs’ offense on Sunday was having the ability to wear the Oakland defense down. Between Ware, Charles and West, the Chiefs ran the ball 36 times on Sunday afternoon. Employing all of the team’s depth at the position is the best plan for offensive success.