Kansas City Chiefs: Grading Jamaal Charles And The Running Backs

Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) – Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

THE KANSAS CITY CHIEFS RUNNING ATTACK, BEHIND STAR JAMAAL CHARLES, WAS AGAIN ONE OF THE BEST IN THE NFL. 

The Kansas City Chiefs running attack ranked tenth in the Nation Football League in 2014. The team accumulated 1,918 yards on the ground, according to NFL.com.

The team averaged 4.6 yards a carry, which was the fourth best mark in the league. Their 18 rushing touchdowns was the third most. They accomplished all of this with the 17th fewest attempts, 420.

Of course, the Chiefs top rusher was Pro Bowl back, Jamaal Charles. Still, as good as Charles is, the Chiefs had some solid production from other sources.

The team averaged 4.6 yards a carry,which was the fourth best mark in the league. Their 18 rushing touchdowns was the third most. They accomplished all of this with the 17th fewest attempts

We will take a look at how the running backs performed individually, and as a unit in 2014. One thing that should be noted here, is the Chiefs did get 254 yards rushing from their quarterback, Alex Smith. The quarterback had 49 rushed, and averaged a solid 5.2 yards per carry.

While Alex Smith is not included in this unit, his legs have proven to be valuable to the Chiefs rushing numbers.

When looking at the numbers for running backs, it isn’t all about the yards rushing either. Are they a factor in the running game? Do they offer protection for Alex Smith in the passing game? These are all integral parts of being a valuable member of the team, and will figure into their grades.

So, let’s take a peak at how the running backs performed for the Chiefs this past season.

Next: THE DEPTH