Chiefs Babb: The Chiefs will sink or swim with Jamaal Charles

**Tribal Warfare** · 09-09-2010, 11:30 PM

The Chiefs will sink or swim with Jamaal Charles
By KENT BABB
The Kansas City Star

It’s all different now. Jamaal Charles said he can sit in the locker room and feel how things have changed.

Two years ago, he said, the locker room was lifeless and without leaders. Charles didn’t know his purpose then, and he’s not sure whether anyone else knew theirs, either. Last year, he began the season as a talented, young running back whose future was murky. Larry Johnson was the starter, and Kolby Smith was seen as a better option than Charles.

Things are simpler now.

“I’m just going out there to do my job,” Charles said. “Basically, they tell you a play and you’ve got to execute.

“I’ve got responsibilities now that I didn’t have my rookie year. I love this, I really do.”

Charles is quiet, and despite the occasional strain to convey his thoughts, he’s more thoughtful than he sometimes appears. He talks about God and the way things are meant to happen, even if they don’t immediately make sense. He talks about inspiring others with his play and how he’d rather be a role model than have a big contract. And he talks about how, for the first time in three seasons, the Chiefs have the leadership and talent alongside Charles to at least show improvement.

“Last year,” he said, “everybody probably was leaning on me.”

The Chiefs learned last year how Charles is a microcosm of the team: young and unproven but eager — maybe even desperate — to improve and be taken seriously. How Charles goes this year and beyond, the Chiefs are likely to go. There is reason for optimism, but there’s also a chance that both could struggle amid rising expectations.

Charles said he has been tested. That rookie season, he said, was difficult. No strong voices and no real purpose.

“Every guy was just looking at each other,” he said.

Then last year, Charles was inactive in the regular season’s second week. The Chiefs thought they were better without Charles than with him. He said last season that being inactive was the harshest motivator of his career. He vowed to coach Todd Haley that he wouldn’t go away quietly and that he would make it difficult for coaches to consider benching him again.

In his final eight games, Charles rushed for 968 yards. Coaches kept testing Charles to see how he’d respond, and he kept proving that he was up to the job. Before the season’s final game, Haley issued Charles a challenge: Rush for at least 200 yards. Charles’ previous career high was 154. On that day in Denver, Charles rushed for 259.

Whether it was a goal handed down from his coach or that benching months earlier, Charles kept responding.

“You look and you say, ‘Wow, he really responded to this adversity,’ ” Haley said. “He’s progressing, and I’m looking for more and more.”

The latest test for Charles came when the Chiefs signed Thomas Jones, a veteran who rushed for more than 1,400 yards last season with the New York Jets. Charles said he could’ve recoiled, but why would he do that when Charles could use Jones as a resource? Charles said he leans on Jones often, learning what he can, and not worrying much about playing time.

“The team’s growth is not just me no more,” he said. “It’s not about you; it’s about the team. I’m not worried about being the starter. It’s about this game; San Diego. Go in the game, do what you do, show out and make some big plays.

“I just want to inspire people with the way I play.”

The Chiefs know that, if Charles keeps improving, the team probably will, too. If he backslides, then Kansas City might be something similar to the group that went 4-12 last year. And Haley said he’s not interested in anyone staying the same.

“He’s either going to improve and get better,” the coach said, “or he’s going to get worse.”

That’s something the Chiefs can’t afford. Charles said he’s confident that this year will be better than 2009. He said there was a reason why he was given all those tests, and a reason why he kept passing them.

“I didn’t really know my purpose on the team; why I’m here, my role,” he said. “I’m confident now. I’m real comfortable about my team. We can go out there and win. It’s different. It feels different.

“We need leadership and people who’ve got purpose on this team. And that’s what we’ve got.”

Hammock Parties · 09-09-2010, 11:34 PM

Do it, son.

**DaneMcCloud** · 09-09-2010, 11:46 PM

Wow, thanks for the insight, Kent!

Jamaal Charles? Really?

Huh. I didn't think he'd be all that important.

KCrockaholic · 09-09-2010, 11:52 PM

He's the best player on the team. If we play him enough, the Chiefs have a shot at swimming.

Chief3188 · 09-10-2010, 03:49 AM

In breaking news water is wet......

kstater · 09-10-2010, 04:00 AM

Babb: Colts door to SB hinged on Peyton Manning.

KC Jones · 09-10-2010, 05:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcrockaholic4life

He's the best player on the team. If we play him enough, the Chiefs have a shot at swimming.

... and if we play him too much we have a chance of using him up this year.

LaChapelle · 09-10-2010, 05:52 AM

There is good info here
if one chooses to hear

**dannybcaitlyn** · 09-10-2010, 06:29 AM

Haley should be giving the same treatment to Cassel as he does charles!

suds79 · 09-10-2010, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Jones

... and if we play him too much we have a chance of using him up this year.

That won't happen. The NFL isn't like how it used to be when we ran the cr@p out of LJ. It's a different league now. Teams run two back systems.

So Jamaal will be fine.

Now I just hope the coaching staff finds the right balance. Despite having two backs they can go two, if they don't give Jamaal at least 60-70% of the touches from the RB spot, I'm certain this offense will underachieve.

Guess we'll find out.

**OnTheWarpath15** · 09-10-2010, 07:01 AM

Jethopper · 09-10-2010, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suds79

That won't happen. The NFL isn't like how it used to be when we ran the cr@p out of LJ. It's a different league now. Teams run two back systems.

So Jamaal will be fine.

Now I just hope the coaching staff finds the right balance. Despite having two backs they can go two, if they don't give Jamaal at least 60-70% of the touches from the RB spot, I'm certain this offense will underachieve.

Guess we'll find out.

Circa 1991!

Hog's Gone Fishin · 09-10-2010, 07:35 AM

The ONLY concern I have with this offense is Cassel. He graduated the Damon Huard school of pocket awareness. If he can keep from turning the ball over we will have a good chance in every game this year. I can't wait to see McCluster break out also. I'm actually pretty pumped.

**the Talking Can** · 09-10-2010, 07:37 AM

imagine if we'd sink or swim with our $63 million dollar after thought of a QB....

milkman · 09-10-2010, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Talking Can

imagine if we'd sink or swim with our $63 million dollar after thought of a QB....

Uh....yeah.

The reality is this is a QB driven league.

Having a great RB is a nice luxury, but you win championships at QB.

I know that is what you are implying.
Just thought I'd elaborate a bit.

09-09-2010, 11:30 PM
Tribal Warfare The Boom Boom Room Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $932813	Babb: The Chiefs will sink or swim with Jamaal Charles The Chiefs will sink or swim with Jamaal Charles By KENT BABB The Kansas City Star It’s all different now. Jamaal Charles said he can sit in the locker room and feel how things have changed. Two years ago, he said, the locker room was lifeless and without leaders. Charles didn’t know his purpose then, and he’s not sure whether anyone else knew theirs, either. Last year, he began the season as a talented, young running back whose future was murky. Larry Johnson was the starter, and Kolby Smith was seen as a better option than Charles. Things are simpler now. “I’m just going out there to do my job,” Charles said. “Basically, they tell you a play and you’ve got to execute. “I’ve got responsibilities now that I didn’t have my rookie year. I love this, I really do.” Charles is quiet, and despite the occasional strain to convey his thoughts, he’s more thoughtful than he sometimes appears. He talks about God and the way things are meant to happen, even if they don’t immediately make sense. He talks about inspiring others with his play and how he’d rather be a role model than have a big contract. And he talks about how, for the first time in three seasons, the Chiefs have the leadership and talent alongside Charles to at least show improvement. “Last year,” he said, “everybody probably was leaning on me.” The Chiefs learned last year how Charles is a microcosm of the team: young and unproven but eager — maybe even desperate — to improve and be taken seriously. How Charles goes this year and beyond, the Chiefs are likely to go. There is reason for optimism, but there’s also a chance that both could struggle amid rising expectations. Charles said he has been tested. That rookie season, he said, was difficult. No strong voices and no real purpose. “Every guy was just looking at each other,” he said. Then last year, Charles was inactive in the regular season’s second week. The Chiefs thought they were better without Charles than with him. He said last season that being inactive was the harshest motivator of his career. He vowed to coach Todd Haley that he wouldn’t go away quietly and that he would make it difficult for coaches to consider benching him again. In his final eight games, Charles rushed for 968 yards. Coaches kept testing Charles to see how he’d respond, and he kept proving that he was up to the job. Before the season’s final game, Haley issued Charles a challenge: Rush for at least 200 yards. Charles’ previous career high was 154. On that day in Denver, Charles rushed for 259. Whether it was a goal handed down from his coach or that benching months earlier, Charles kept responding. “You look and you say, ‘Wow, he really responded to this adversity,’ ” Haley said. “He’s progressing, and I’m looking for more and more.” The latest test for Charles came when the Chiefs signed Thomas Jones, a veteran who rushed for more than 1,400 yards last season with the New York Jets. Charles said he could’ve recoiled, but why would he do that when Charles could use Jones as a resource? Charles said he leans on Jones often, learning what he can, and not worrying much about playing time. “The team’s growth is not just me no more,” he said. “It’s not about you; it’s about the team. I’m not worried about being the starter. It’s about this game; San Diego. Go in the game, do what you do, show out and make some big plays. “I just want to inspire people with the way I play.” The Chiefs know that, if Charles keeps improving, the team probably will, too. If he backslides, then Kansas City might be something similar to the group that went 4-12 last year. And Haley said he’s not interested in anyone staying the same. “He’s either going to improve and get better,” the coach said, “or he’s going to get worse.” That’s something the Chiefs can’t afford. Charles said he’s confident that this year will be better than 2009. He said there was a reason why he was given all those tests, and a reason why he kept passing them. “I didn’t really know my purpose on the team; why I’m here, my role,” he said. “I’m confident now. I’m real comfortable about my team. We can go out there and win. It’s different. It feels different. “We need leadership and people who’ve got purpose on this team. And that’s what we’ve got.”
Posts: 42,054

09-09-2010, 11:34 PM	#2
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4730478	Do it, son. __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 277,765

09-09-2010, 11:46 PM	#3
DaneMcCloud Supporter Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Hollywood, CA Casino cash: $10053648	Wow, thanks for the insight, Kent! Jamaal Charles? Really? Huh. I didn't think he'd be all that important.
Posts: 88,960

09-09-2010, 11:52 PM	#4
KCrockaholic Sarcasm Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Olathe Casino cash: $4792900	He's the best player on the team. If we play him enough, the Chiefs have a shot at swimming.
Posts: 21,133

09-10-2010, 03:49 AM	#5
Chief3188 Starter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: New Orleans Casino cash: $1855077	In breaking news water is wet......
Posts: 730

09-10-2010, 04:00 AM	#6
kstater Custom User Title Join Date: Jan 2007 Casino cash: $1896563	Babb: Colts door to SB hinged on Peyton Manning.
Posts: 39,173

09-10-2010, 05:52 AM	#8
LaChapelle Banned Join Date: Mar 2009 Casino cash: $10004900	There is good info here if one chooses to hear
Posts: 8,588

09-10-2010, 06:29 AM	#9
dannybcaitlyn Supporter Join Date: Oct 2004 Casino cash: $5234000	Haley should be giving the same treatment to Cassel as he does charles!
Posts: 6,984

09-10-2010, 07:01 AM	#11
OnTheWarpath15 MVP Join Date: Sep 2005 Casino cash: $4931115
Posts: 60,193

09-10-2010, 07:35 AM	#13
Hog's Gone Fishin Fish are scared of me Join Date: Nov 2001 Casino cash: $1720477	The ONLY concern I have with this offense is Cassel. He graduated the Damon Huard school of pocket awareness. If he can keep from turning the ball over we will have a good chance in every game this year. I can't wait to see McCluster break out also. I'm actually pretty pumped.
Posts: 40,338

09-10-2010, 07:37 AM	#14
the Talking Can Supporter Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: street Casino cash: $10022208	imagine if we'd sink or swim with our $63 million dollar after thought of a QB.... __________________ Clark Hunt: "Thank god for the Dominican pool boy"
Posts: 51,585