Jamaal Charles ran through the tunnel onto the
field at Arrowhead Stadium 51 times as he built a legacy in Kansas
City as the Chiefs’ all-time leading rusher.
Even so, he is unsure what response awaits him Monday night when
takes the field as a member of the Denver Broncos.
“I really don’t even know,” Charles said. “I’m just going up in
there to play football like I’ve been doing my whole life. I gave
my all when I was with the Chiefs.”
Charles’ saga over the last two years provided a roller coaster of
emotions for the 30-year-old running back, who rushed for 7,260
yards, added 2,457 receiving and scored 63 touchdowns over nine
seasons in Kansas City. Charles tore the ACL in his right knee in
October 2015, costing him the bulk of his season. He returned in
2016, but knee inflammation limited him to only 12 carries in three
games.
The Chiefs (5-2) parted ways with Charles in February, and the
four-time Pro Bowler signed in May with the Broncos (3-3).
“A lot of people think I’m a traitor just because I’m playing with
the Broncos, but I’m just trying to get me a job at the end of the
day,” Charles said. “I’m happy that the Broncos kept that dream
alive for me. I’m happy to continue to start a legacy after … I
started one with the Chiefs.”
Charles is averaging eight touches per game through the Broncos’
first six contests, but coach Vance Joseph envisions an expanded
role for the veteran as the season progresses.
“Some of it by purpose, some of it just the games we’ve been in,
but absolutely we want to get him more touches because he’s so
explosive,” Joseph said. “I’m just waiting for him to have one of
those Jamaal Charles breakout runs.”
More touches for Charles appears exactly what the struggling Denver
offense needs. Joseph said the Broncos play their best when running
the football, avoiding long third downs and dictating terms to the
defense.
“Our goal is to get back to our formula,” Joseph said. “Our three
wins look the same, and our three losses look the same. We’re
looking to get back to what we do best.”
The Chiefs put an emphasis on quashing the run last week against
Oakland and succeeded, holding the Raiders to 88 yards on the
ground. However, Oakland quarterback Derek Carr gashed Kansas
City’s pass defense for 417 yards, driving his club to a 31-30
comeback victory.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid wants to see his team stay aggressive
against the run while improving its pass rush.
“We actually did pretty good against the run this past week, and we
can do a little bit better of getting pressure on them,” Reid said.
“There’s all different kinds of areas and we can put them in better
positions to do it. ”
Many Chiefs fans saw red when Charles signed with the Broncos. It’s
said time heals all wounds, but finding a worthy successor to
Charles certain helped as well.
The Chiefs found their heir apparent in this year’s draft with
Kareem Hunt, and his historic start helped soothe the heartburn
precipitated by the departure of Charles. Hunt has emerged as a
leading Rookie of the Year candidate in helping the Chiefs rank
second in the league at 29.6 points per game.
Hunt leads the NFL with 717 rushing yards and also has 25 catches
for 285 yards with six total touchdowns, though hasn’t scored in
the last four games. He topped 100 yards from scrimmage in each of
his first seven games, a league record he hopes to extend Monday
night.
Charles sees an all-around back in Hunt.
“He’s taken over the tradition of the running backs where Larry
Johnson took over from Priest Holmes, I took over from Larry
Johnson,” Charles said. “I’m happy for the guy. I wish the guy
breaks all my records.”
Charles said he credits Reid for helping himself and other Chiefs,
including Hunt, achieve their greatness.
“Andy Reid is a great offensive mind,” Charles said. “He can get
any average person or any guy that can come into his offense and
make plays and make them look like superstars.”
Reid shares similar warm feelings for Charles.
“I like Jamaal,” Reid said. “I’m not telling you I am pulling for
him on Monday. The other times I am pulling for him. He is a good
kid and sure was a great player here.”
That connection between the Chiefs and Charles runs deep, making an
emotional affair likely Monday night. When former general manager
John Dorsey called Charles to let him know the Chiefs planned to
release him, Dorsey discussed plans for making sure Charles retired
as a Chief and putting his name along the club’s Ring of Honor
inside Arrowhead Stadium.
Charles, though, stands grateful the Broncos let him continue his
career, though part of him remains in Kansas City.
“Some people probably don’t think that I (am), but in my heart, I’m
always a Chief,” Charles said.
