Chiefs Teicher: Charles embraces competition from Davis - Page 2

**Tribal Warfare** · 06-08-2013, 05:58 PM

Charles embraces competition from Davis
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star
Jamaal Charles joined the Chiefs five years ago as a third-round draft choice to serve as a backup running back to their starter, Larry Johnson.

Charles now finds himself in the same situation Johnson was then. He’s the incumbent, making a claim as the greatest Chiefs ball-carrier of all-time, yet the Chiefs just drafted another back, Knile Davis of Arkansas, in the third round — ostensibly to be his backup.

Charles saw how rapidly Johnson’s career declined. And this spring, he saw not only how big the 227-pound Davis is, but also that the rookie might be as fast as Charles.

So, even though Charles is only 26, he’s suddenly feeling his football mortality.

“There’s a short life for running backs,” Charles said. “I’m not worried about (Davis). He’s my teammate. I love the guy. I want him to come in and do great. I wish that to be known. But at the same time, I’ve got a family to feed. My main job is to stay on top of things as much as possible.”

Charles went on to say he doesn’t see his skills eroding in any way or his career coming to an end anytime soon. Instead, he looks at the success of Philadelphia running backs Brian Westbrook and LeSean McCoy and sees the possibility for bigger and better things in the offense of new Chiefs head coach Andy Reid.

“This offense might be the best thing that ever happened to me,” Charles said. “I think this offense will get me open. They’re going to throw me the ball more. I think I’ll continue to stack Pro Bowls on Pro Bowls if I can stay healthy.

“I definitely know my role. I’ve got a lot of stuff to program in my mind right now. There’s a lot of stuff in the Andy Reid offense, the same stuff he did with Westbrook and McCoy, and I think I fit his scheme as well as they did. Definitely more studying and definitely more knowing the scheme of the defense, especially when I go out there and play another position like wide receiver. I go in there and try to read the defense. I feel like this year it will be more than I catch out of the backfield.”

In drafting Davis, the Chiefs may be preparing for the eventual end of Charles’ career. But judging by how they utilized Charles in offseason practice, they don’t see that time coming soon.

Charles was used in a variety of spots and given the ball plenty.

“Really, the sky is the limit with him with what we’re trying to do,” offensive coordinator Doug Pederson said. “You can use him more in the passing game. You’ve seen him split out as a single receiver or come out of the backfield. He’s a guy you can move around and put in different positions, motion out of the backfield or shift him out of the backfield. He catches the ball so well. We have to take advantage of that offensively.”

Given his spot in a friendly offensive system, and the fact Charles rushed for a career high 1,509 yards last season, it’s difficult to see the end of Charles’ career from here. But that final chapter has a way of coming for running backs when they don’t expect it.

One year after Priest Holmes rushed for 1,420 yards and a league-record (at the time) 27 touchdowns, Johnson had replaced him as the Chiefs’ featured back. Johnson’s career then began a rapid nosedive the year after he rushed for a team-record 1,789 yards.

It’s not surprising the Chiefs added a running back this year. Their intentions were obvious after last season’s alternate back, Peyton Hillis, flamed out.

But the Chiefs don’t view Davis as a player who will spend his entire career caddying for another guy, either. He had some injuries in college and a well-publicized fumbling problem, but it’s difficult to deny his ability.

“He’s a pretty fast guy,” Charles said. “He reminds me of me when I first came in.”

Davis also doesn’t appear intimidated by Charles or his new surroundings. He indicated he would win a footrace against Charles but didn’t intend to ask him for a match.

“I’m not going to race him (because) I don’t want him to damage his career,” Davis said.

Davis may spend the early portion of his career returning kicks and providing breaks for Charles, but he will eventually bust his way into the lineup if he can master his flaws. At that point, it will be up to Charles to hold him off.

In the short term, at least, Charles says he’s up to the challenge.

“I feel real good, like I can have a good year,” Charles said. “My body feels good. My knee is stronger. There’s a lot of stuff off my mind because I played last year after having the knee surgery. I want to have another great year and stack up the great years so people don’t feel I’m not the back I once was.”

Hootie · 06-08-2013, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -King-

You take hard hits more often as a RB.

anyone who doesn't weigh 200 lbs can't take hits according to CP

OrtonsPiercedTaint · 06-08-2013, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -King-

You take hard hits more often as a RB.

Yeah, but he already has the ball and has his ribs protected. He can't just let a floater sail off to be picked. WRs and special teamers get lit up, a lot.

**mdchiefsfan** · 06-08-2013, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -King-

You take hard hits more often as a RB.

This. Getting hit by a DB >>> by DL

**Mav** · 06-09-2013, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hog Farmer

I worry bout charles catching passes. He doesn't need to take the hard hits. He needs to be in a positionto make people miss.

I wouldn't. For all of alex's perceived flaws, and what not, very rarely have I seen him lead any receiver, tight end, or running back into a position to get destroyed. That part of his game, I wouldn't worry about.

Thig Lyfe · 06-09-2013, 12:09 PM

JAMAAL CHARLES = JC = JESUS CHRIST

NILES CRANE IS COMPETING WITH JESUS CHRIST

NILES CRANE IS COMPETING WITH FRASIER CRANE

THEREFORE FRASIER CRANE IS JESUS CHRIST

AND NILES CRANE IS THE ANTI-CHRIST!

WE CANNOT LET HIM WIN THE STARTING JOB! PROPHECY MUST BE REALIZED!!!

TOSSED SALAD + SCRAMBLED EGGS = LJS.JPG

LJS = LARRY JOHNSON'S SON

THEREFORE WE MUST RE-SIGN LARRY JOHNSON (SON OF LARRY JOHNSON SR) TO PLAY RB AND GIVE JC BREATHERS, MEANWHILE NIKES CRANE MUST BE TERMINATED FOR THE SAKE OF HUMANITY

PLZ SEND THIS POST TO ANDY REID ASAP

Mr. Laz · 06-09-2013, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverick91579

I wouldn't. For all of alex's perceived flaws, and what not, very rarely have I seen him lead any receiver, tight end, or running back into a position to get destroyed. That part of his game, I wouldn't worry about.

oh look ... AlexSmithFan is pimping Alex Smith.

i'm shocked

**Mav** · 06-09-2013, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Laz

oh look ... AlexSmithFan is pimping Alex Smith.

i'm shocked

Yeah you know, stating the truth, is now considered pimping, and what do you call it when turds shout blasphemies, and lies about the guy without an ounce of truth?

Did I state that he was the best qb ever. Nope, just said that with his super cautious nature and propensity to only throw to guys that are wide open, that he doesn't leave his receivers, or backs to take many damaging shots. Its just truth, no pimping here........

Just truth.

**SAUTO** · 06-09-2013, 12:18 PM

Blasphemies? Lol. Someone went to church this morning
Posted via Mobile Device

**Mav** · 06-09-2013, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

Blasphemies? Lol. Someone went to church this morning
Posted via Mobile Device

lol, you got me hahaha. Nice one.....hows the weekend going Jason?

Mr. Laz · 06-09-2013, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

Blasphemies? Lol. Someone went to church this morning
Posted via Mobile Device

warsaw?

you're too dam far away ... i was going to have you work on a car.

Halfcan · 06-10-2013, 09:50 AM

227 and as fast as JC??- wow- can't wait to see him play.

I would like to see the race between them.

Dante84 · 06-10-2013, 09:54 AM

His highlights are insane. Stroke-worthy.

His fumbles are silly, though.

**SAUTO** · 06-10-2013, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Laz

warsaw?

you're too dam far away ... i was going to have you work on a car.

Lol. Sorry man.
Posted via Mobile Device

06-08-2013, 05:58 PM
Tribal Warfare The Boom Boom Room Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $892813	Teicher: Charles embraces competition from Davis Charles embraces competition from Davis By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star Jamaal Charles joined the Chiefs five years ago as a third-round draft choice to serve as a backup running back to their starter, Larry Johnson. Charles now finds himself in the same situation Johnson was then. He’s the incumbent, making a claim as the greatest Chiefs ball-carrier of all-time, yet the Chiefs just drafted another back, Knile Davis of Arkansas, in the third round — ostensibly to be his backup. Charles saw how rapidly Johnson’s career declined. And this spring, he saw not only how big the 227-pound Davis is, but also that the rookie might be as fast as Charles. So, even though Charles is only 26, he’s suddenly feeling his football mortality. “There’s a short life for running backs,” Charles said. “I’m not worried about (Davis). He’s my teammate. I love the guy. I want him to come in and do great. I wish that to be known. But at the same time, I’ve got a family to feed. My main job is to stay on top of things as much as possible.” Charles went on to say he doesn’t see his skills eroding in any way or his career coming to an end anytime soon. Instead, he looks at the success of Philadelphia running backs Brian Westbrook and LeSean McCoy and sees the possibility for bigger and better things in the offense of new Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. “This offense might be the best thing that ever happened to me,” Charles said. “I think this offense will get me open. They’re going to throw me the ball more. I think I’ll continue to stack Pro Bowls on Pro Bowls if I can stay healthy. “I definitely know my role. I’ve got a lot of stuff to program in my mind right now. There’s a lot of stuff in the Andy Reid offense, the same stuff he did with Westbrook and McCoy, and I think I fit his scheme as well as they did. Definitely more studying and definitely more knowing the scheme of the defense, especially when I go out there and play another position like wide receiver. I go in there and try to read the defense. I feel like this year it will be more than I catch out of the backfield.” In drafting Davis, the Chiefs may be preparing for the eventual end of Charles’ career. But judging by how they utilized Charles in offseason practice, they don’t see that time coming soon. Charles was used in a variety of spots and given the ball plenty. “Really, the sky is the limit with him with what we’re trying to do,” offensive coordinator Doug Pederson said. “You can use him more in the passing game. You’ve seen him split out as a single receiver or come out of the backfield. He’s a guy you can move around and put in different positions, motion out of the backfield or shift him out of the backfield. He catches the ball so well. We have to take advantage of that offensively.” Given his spot in a friendly offensive system, and the fact Charles rushed for a career high 1,509 yards last season, it’s difficult to see the end of Charles’ career from here. But that final chapter has a way of coming for running backs when they don’t expect it. One year after Priest Holmes rushed for 1,420 yards and a league-record (at the time) 27 touchdowns, Johnson had replaced him as the Chiefs’ featured back. Johnson’s career then began a rapid nosedive the year after he rushed for a team-record 1,789 yards. It’s not surprising the Chiefs added a running back this year. Their intentions were obvious after last season’s alternate back, Peyton Hillis, flamed out. But the Chiefs don’t view Davis as a player who will spend his entire career caddying for another guy, either. He had some injuries in college and a well-publicized fumbling problem, but it’s difficult to deny his ability. “He’s a pretty fast guy,” Charles said. “He reminds me of me when I first came in.” Davis also doesn’t appear intimidated by Charles or his new surroundings. He indicated he would win a footrace against Charles but didn’t intend to ask him for a match. “I’m not going to race him (because) I don’t want him to damage his career,” Davis said. Davis may spend the early portion of his career returning kicks and providing breaks for Charles, but he will eventually bust his way into the lineup if he can master his flaws. At that point, it will be up to Charles to hold him off. In the short term, at least, Charles says he’s up to the challenge. “I feel real good, like I can have a good year,” Charles said. “My body feels good. My knee is stronger. There’s a lot of stuff off my mind because I played last year after having the knee surgery. I want to have another great year and stack up the great years so people don’t feel I’m not the back I once was.”
Posts: 42,086

06-09-2013, 12:09 PM	#20
Thig Lyfe Banned Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Thigpen's America Casino cash: $10004900	JAMAAL CHARLES = JC = JESUS CHRIST NILES CRANE IS COMPETING WITH JESUS CHRIST NILES CRANE IS COMPETING WITH FRASIER CRANE THEREFORE FRASIER CRANE IS JESUS CHRIST AND NILES CRANE IS THE ANTI-CHRIST! WE CANNOT LET HIM WIN THE STARTING JOB! PROPHECY MUST BE REALIZED!!! TOSSED SALAD + SCRAMBLED EGGS = LJS.JPG LJS = LARRY JOHNSON'S SON THEREFORE WE MUST RE-SIGN LARRY JOHNSON (SON OF LARRY JOHNSON SR) TO PLAY RB AND GIVE JC BREATHERS, MEANWHILE NIKES CRANE MUST BE TERMINATED FOR THE SAKE OF HUMANITY PLZ SEND THIS POST TO ANDY REID ASAP
Posts: 25,680

06-09-2013, 12:18 PM	#23
SAUTO Shit Join Date: Jun 2008 Casino cash: $10039067	Blasphemies? Lol. Someone went to church this morning Posted via Mobile Device
Posts: 55,715

06-10-2013, 09:50 AM	#26
Halfcan In Search of a Life Join Date: Aug 2005 Casino cash: $7327995	227 and as fast as JC??- wow- can't wait to see him play. I would like to see the race between them.
Posts: 43,200

06-10-2013, 09:54 AM	#27
Dante84 Tossed Salad & Scrambled Eggs Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: ATX & OPKS Casino cash: $1761996 VARSITY	His highlights are insane. Stroke-worthy. His fumbles are silly, though. __________________ ..
Posts: 19,745