Is Jamaal Charles a "True Fan" now?

[OldSchool]

Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (pictured) spent his offseason in Austin, Texas, where he played in college. There, he’s much like you with regard to Chiefs news.

He learns about it on social media or elsewhere on the Internet. Charles indicated in a phone conversation Tuesday that he had particularly been following the news this year, with the Chiefs coming off a disappointing offensive season.


Jamaal Charles has been paying attention to the Chiefs offseason moves, particularly along the offensive line. Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images
He cheered much of what transpired this offseason, though the signing of free-agent wide receiver Jeremy Maclin wasn’t necessarily the addition that buoyed Charles the most.

Put the trade for former Pro Bowl guard Ben Grubbs and the signing of another offensive lineman, Paul Fanaika, in that category.

"I’m really excited that we addressed our linemen," Charles said. "Our linemen situation last year, I never knew how important having a great offensive line was in this league. Look at the offensive line DeMarco Murray had down in Dallas. It seems like all of those linemen made the Pro Bowl or All-Pro."

The Chiefs didn’t have an offensive lineman make the Pro Bowl or be named as an All-Pro last season, though center Rodney Hudson was certainly deserving.

The Chiefs lost Hudson to the Oakland Raiders in free agency. The seldom used Eric Kush, a sixth-round draft pick from California University of Pennsylvania in 2013, is the only option on the roster to replace Hudson, so the Chiefs and Charles could come to regret his departure.

But between Grubbs, Fanaika and Jeff Allen, who missed all but the season-opener last year because of an elbow injury, the Chiefs might well have two new starters at guard next season.

Though Charles wouldn’t say this directly, his comments would suggest he agrees it would be a good thing. Their two starting guards, Zach Fulton and Mike McGlynn, were rated 64th and 78th by Pro Football Focus among 78 guards who played at least 25 percent of their team’s snaps.

Charles didn’t ignore the addition of Maclin.

"Jeremy Maclin should help us out," he said. "We didn’t have a touchdown from our wide receiver last year. With the running backs and tight ends we have, you add in a wide receiver like Jeremy Maclin, look at all the games we could have won last year."

http://espn.go.com/blog/kansas-city-...ive-line-moves

[BigMeatballDave]

Of course he is. He's a player.

[Why Not?]

Somebody get the Inigo Montoya "I'm not sure that means what you think it means" GIF, please

[rico]

Originally Posted by BigMeatballDave

Of course he is. He's a player.

Throw yo hands in the air, cus' he's a true playurrrrrr.

[The Franchise]

Sweet....he didn't mention drafting one.

[DaveNull]

I really tried to play a full Madden season without throwing a touchdown. Even with Jamaal and no injuries it wasn't possible.