Sunday’s win proved that Kansas City needs to rely on the running game in 2016. But how will they do so with Jamaal Charles, Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West all producing?
Last week, I wrote that the Chiefs needed to make the usage of Jamaal Charles a priority in the running game. But after what happened in the backfield during Sunday’s win at Oakland, there are some questions floating around my head.
Spencer Ware has been really good as Charles’ replacement in 2016. Ware’s averaging 5.3 yards per carry so far this year; that’s good for fourth in the NFL. So as Charles nears full health, which still may be a while, how will Andy Reid manage the backfield?
There are a few different ways that the Chiefs can handle the running back situation moving forward.
When Charles comes back and regains his full strength, Reid could give him (Charles) at least 75 percent of the offensive snaps at running back. When Charles is at his best, there’s not much arguing this scenario.
In this case, Ware could supplement Charles on third down or when he needs a break. Charles makes an excellent third down back, though. He is a great pass-blocker and is a weapon in the passing game. That makes it hard to take him off the field at any point. In 2013 and 2014, Charles caught seven and five touchdown passes, respectively.
Here’s a second option for the Chiefs: Charles and Ware could share more of the workload in the backfield, with Charles getting about 60 percent of the snaps and Ware 40 percent.