11/05/24
December 22, 2010
Chiefs' Jamaal Charles Making NFL History: With just two games remaining, Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles is on pace to have the greatest yards-per-carry average in NFL history. With 1,303 yards in 203 attempts, Charles has 6.42 yards per carry, putting him No. 1 all-time ahead of Jim Brown (6.4), Barry Sanders (6.13) and O.J. Simpson (6.03).
Arguably the most underrated story of this season. Following Charles all year, I can say that several games he has not needed an 80 yard run to keep that average up. Some games every time he touches it, he is ripping 8-12 yard gashes. He is great.
posted by brainofdtrain at 12:38 PM on December 22, 2010
I am glad to see kcfan4life's balanced perspective on the use of Charles. Just about everything I read online suggests that Haley is crazy for giving Jones as many or more carries than Charles, but I really think there is a method to what seems to many to be madness. The Chiefs need look no further than Larry Johnson to figure out that 400-carry backs often fall off a cliff due to the pounding they take.
posted by holden at 01:24 PM on December 22, 2010
I'm happy the Chiefs paid Charles while he is still useful, rather than making the mistake they did with LJ. I'd like to see them get in someone else to take Jones' place as well. Perhaps a Brandon Jacobs type. That would be an awesome backfield for years to come.
posted by reenum at 01:57 PM on December 22, 2010
I'm no fan of LJ as a person, but holden has nailed who the culprit was LJ's drop-off: Herm "You play to win the game!" Edwards.
posted by brainofdtrain at 04:04 PM on December 22, 2010
At the end of last week's game, he broke an 80 yarder. That sure didn't hurt his stats any. They're using him perfectly. He's not built to handle the load of a "featured" back, so the Chiefs should have 2 fresh backs with him and Jones if they wind up in the playoffs.