Jamaal Charles: Top 20 player in the NFL right now?
December 30, 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) runs with the ball during the first half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Earlier this month, I had written an article concerning Justin Houston and his appearance in the players list of the top 100 of 2012. The list has moved down from the last time I wrote and is now down to the final 20. Chiefs All-Pro running back Jamaal Charles hasn’t made the list yet leaving me to think that his peers have put him in the category of the top 20 players in the entire NFL.
When I look at the list, I view the players from 100 to about 75 as the second or third best players on their teams. Now this isn’t always true but it’s just the approach I take when viewing the list. A good example would be Steelers tight end Heath Miller. He made the list at number 97 and I think most of you would agree that he’s the third or even fourth best player on the Steelers roster right now. Chiefs cornerback Brandon Flowers was at number 75 and I would agree that he’s the Chiefs third or fourth best player right now. From 50 to 25 we’re talking about the best players on the teams. Point is, when the list gets into the top 25 players, were talking about the best of the best.
Like I mentioned earlier, the last episode ended with Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne at number 21. The next countdown should take us from numbers 20 though 10 and I believe that’s where Jamaal Charles will finally show up.
Charles is coming off a 1500 yard season which included two games of 200 plus yards and an average yards per carry of 5.3. The Chiefs didn’t have an offense last year except for Charles.
People, outside of the Chiefs fan base, seem to forget that this man was coming off an ACL surgery from the previous season. Had Vikings running back Adrian Peterson not come back and do what he did, (NFL MVP and 2.000 yards rushing) or quarterback Peyton Manning having a strong year, then Charles had a serious case for Comeback Player of the Year. Charles, much like Peterson, almost seemed to look stronger than before the knee injury and was truly dynamic last season.
Charles should definitely make this list and I believe he does deserve to be in the top 20 players in the NFL right now. I can’t predict exactly where Charles will land but him making the top 20 is certainly honorable. What say the rest of the KC Kingdom? Does Charles Deserve top 20 honors? Will he be snubbed?
P.S. You should go see “Man of Steel” which opened in theaters today. It was excellent and Clark Kent totally rocks a Royals t-shirt in one scene and a Kansas Jayhawks shirt in another. I hate KU but still pretty Awesome!