Should Kansas City Part Ways With Jamaal Charles?
Kansas City continues to dominate without their star running back after erasing a 17 point deficit to defeat the Chargers 33-27 in overtime.
Andy Reid expertly managed the clock and with the help of Keenan Allen’s tragic injury, the Chief’s offense finally came to life right when San Diego began to stall.
While Alex Smith delivered a huge game with 363 yards, two passing touchdowns, and the game-winning rushing touchdown in overtime, Spencer Ware stood as the game’s MVP. Tallying 199 scrimmage yards and a touchdown, he provided an offensive spark and put up a performance that makes a Charles-less future more promising.
His 129 receiving yards ranks fifth in the league and one of two backs to crack the top 35. His seven receptions are the most among running backs through Sunday.
This marks Kansas City’s 11th regular season win in a row dating back to last season. All 11 have come without Jamaal Charles. They went 1-5 with Charles last season before his second season-ending injury.
Everyone thought the newly improved Chiefs from last season could contend for an AFC title with the addition of Charles again. But once again, Charles’ injury tested the Chiefs’ offense and they passed with flying colors. They scored over 30 points for the 7th time in the last 13 contests including a 30-0 romp in the playoffs. They put up 30 points or more just four times in Charles’ last 22 games.
This is no knock against Jamaal Charles. The four-time Pro Bowler averaged 5.5 yards per carry over the course of his eight-year career, good for second most all time. But he’s turning 30 with two season-ending injuries on his belt. It is also something to note that Charles hasn’t played an entire postseason game under Andy Reid. He missed last year’s run and was lost for the game against Indianapolis in 2013 after suffering a concussion in the first quarter.
Meanwhile Spencer Ware provided great support to the running game in Charles’ absence and continues to grow exponentially. If he can keep up his pace, there would simply be no room for Charles in the offense.
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If the wins keep piling up while the entire offense develops into something potent, it may be time for Kansas City to field offers on their star running back. No need for a hasty move as they are in the thick of contending in an open AFC conference, but it is no longer a coincidence that they are 11-0 without Charles.
Charles will need to come back to make sure his job is secure, but if they slow down at all, Spencer Ware will be anxious to jump back in and add a spark to the offense that has looked its best since the Andy Reid-Alex Smith merger.
Spencer Ware is proving that he is the man for the job and with his Week 1 performance, we need to take him seriously.
Jamaal Charles will look to come back against the Houston Texans in Week 2.