Chiefs Babb: Chiefs notes: Edwards wants Charles to carry bigger load - Page 2

**Tribal Warfare** · 09-13-2008, 04:15 AM

Chiefs' notes: Edwards wants Charles to carry bigger load

Edwards wants rookie Charles to get more involved

Chiefs rookie running back Jamaal Charles might take on a heavier load, coach Herm Edwards said Friday. With Charles’ speed and the way he played in last week’s loss at New England, Edwards said Charles has to be a factor.

“He needs to touch the ball more,” Edwards said.

Charles, one of the Chiefs’ third-round picks this year, started last week alongside Larry Johnson. Charles averaged 5.6 yards on his five carries and also caught two passes.

Edwards said the Chiefs have to reduce the number of times they go three-and-out, which prevents the team from getting the ball into the hands of playmakers such as Charles. Of the Chiefs’ 11 possessions last week, they went three-and-out four times.

“You’d like to keep it within two, three at the most,” Edwards said. “Then if you get 11 possessions you’ve got to play to get six, seven, eight, 10-play drives and all those guys come and play for you. If you go three-and-out it’s very difficult to get those guys the ball.”

A little older, a little wiser

The Chiefs’ 13 rookies gained at least some experience last week, and Edwards said he wants them to make further gains Sunday against Oakland.

Kansas City started six rookies against New England — the most in a Chiefs opener in the 38 years since the NFL-AFL merger.

“They’ve got a little confidence. They’ve played a game,” Edwards said. “The bottom line is, they’ve got to make the plays.

“Every week you’re going to find out more about these guys. We’ve only played one game, and it’s going to be a learning process all the way through. They’re going to have some ups and down.”

The Chiefs are expected to start at least four rookies Sunday — more if they begin in a nickel defense or a two-back offense as they did against the Patriots.

More talk about penalties

Edwards wants those young Chiefs to avoid being lured into playing what appears to be Oakland’s other game: being whistled for penalties.

The Raiders were penalized 10 times in a blowout loss Monday against Denver. Edwards said Tuesday that he hopes the Chiefs play aggressively, but intelligently.

Edwards said he was happy that the Chiefs were flagged just twice for 15 yards. He said earlier this week that he teaches players that if a team is flagged four times or fewer per game, that team will lead the league in the fewest penalties.

“If you do that, then the football game is never going to get away from you,” Edwards said. “Now we just have to figure out how to win them. If you continue to play like that, you’re going to win your share of football games.”

Injury report

Quarterback Brodie Croyle (shoulder) and linebacker Napoleon Harris (knee) are out for Sunday’s game. Edwards said all other regular players are healthy and will be expected to play.

09-13-2008, 04:15 AM	Topic Starter
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-2797187	Babb: Chiefs notes: Edwards wants Charles to carry bigger load Chiefs' notes: Edwards wants Charles to carry bigger load Edwards wants rookie Charles to get more involved Chiefs rookie running back Jamaal Charles might take on a heavier load, coach Herm Edwards said Friday. With Charles’ speed and the way he played in last week’s loss at New England, Edwards said Charles has to be a factor. “He needs to touch the ball more,” Edwards said. Charles, one of the Chiefs’ third-round picks this year, started last week alongside Larry Johnson. Charles averaged 5.6 yards on his five carries and also caught two passes. Edwards said the Chiefs have to reduce the number of times they go three-and-out, which prevents the team from getting the ball into the hands of playmakers such as Charles. Of the Chiefs’ 11 possessions last week, they went three-and-out four times. “You’d like to keep it within two, three at the most,” Edwards said. “Then if you get 11 possessions you’ve got to play to get six, seven, eight, 10-play drives and all those guys come and play for you. If you go three-and-out it’s very difficult to get those guys the ball.” A little older, a little wiser The Chiefs’ 13 rookies gained at least some experience last week, and Edwards said he wants them to make further gains Sunday against Oakland. Kansas City started six rookies against New England — the most in a Chiefs opener in the 38 years since the NFL-AFL merger. “They’ve got a little confidence. They’ve played a game,” Edwards said. “The bottom line is, they’ve got to make the plays. “Every week you’re going to find out more about these guys. We’ve only played one game, and it’s going to be a learning process all the way through. They’re going to have some ups and down.” The Chiefs are expected to start at least four rookies Sunday — more if they begin in a nickel defense or a two-back offense as they did against the Patriots. More talk about penalties Edwards wants those young Chiefs to avoid being lured into playing what appears to be Oakland’s other game: being whistled for penalties. The Raiders were penalized 10 times in a blowout loss Monday against Denver. Edwards said Tuesday that he hopes the Chiefs play aggressively, but intelligently. Edwards said he was happy that the Chiefs were flagged just twice for 15 yards. He said earlier this week that he teaches players that if a team is flagged four times or fewer per game, that team will lead the league in the fewest penalties. “If you do that, then the football game is never going to get away from you,” Edwards said. “Now we just have to figure out how to win them. If you continue to play like that, you’re going to win your share of football games.” Injury report Quarterback Brodie Croyle (shoulder) and linebacker Napoleon Harris (knee) are out for Sunday’s game. Edwards said all other regular players are healthy and will be expected to play.
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