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KC Chiefs: Does Jamaal Charles Have Most to Prove in 2016

By Leigh Oleszczak

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Jamaal Charles has been the heart and soul of the KC Chiefs offense for several years now. Does he have the most to prove in 2016? Some analysts sure think so.

Adam Teicher of ESPN.com feels like Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles has the most to prove out of everyone on the team this season. Some might be wondering why, but when you think about the circumstances, it isn’t too crazy honestly.

Last season, Charles was on his way to another impressive season, but tore his ACL in week five against the Bears. The Chiefs were 1-3 at the time of the injury, 1-4 shortly after, and 1-5 by the following week.

Things didn’t look good for our beloved KC Chiefs, especially with Charles not in the fold for the rest of the season. The team ended up reeling off ten straight wins to make it to the playoffs and win their first postseason game in over 20 years.

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The fact that Charles wasn’t needed for the team’s ten-game winning streak, and the fact that he’ll be 30 this season and has had two ACL surgeries, could be a testament as to why Teicher picked him as his “most to prove” candidate. Let’s hear from him directly though.

"The veteran is coming off the second torn ACL of his NFL career and will turn 30 in December. That’s a lot stacked against a running back, even one with skills as elite as Charles’. The Chiefs proved last season they could thrive with backups Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware playing in Charles’ absence. That cast doubt on his value to the Chiefs."

While I agree that the Chiefs very well can survive and win without Charles, it’s easier with him on the team and in the backfield. West and Ware are great young backs, but they’re simply not as talented as Charles is.

If we’re discussing players with the most to prove, I feel like it should be either Dee Ford or De’Anthony Thomas. We could even stick with running backs and say Knile Davis, but I have a feeling he won’t be with the team come the start of the regular season.

Ford would be my choice for the most to prove in 2016. John Dorsey drafted him with the 23rd overall pick in 2014 and he has not delivered that first-round pick hype AT ALL.

In two seasons as a pro, Ford has had one good game. That came against the San Diego Chargers last season, where he recorded three sacks against backup offensive linemen. Shortly after, Ford went right back to struggling and not living up to his first round hype.

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Thomas was only a fourth round pick by the Chiefs (in the same class as Ford, mind you), and was supposed to be the next Dante Hall on special teams in Kansas City. Instead, he’s struggled to stay healthy and there were even trade talks concerning him.

Thomas has been spotted at OTAs this week, which is a good sign. Hopefully he’s healthy and can give us some great returns on special teams this season.

Back to the subject at hand though, I do not agree with Teicher on Charles needing to prove himself the most. He’s the best running back in team history re-joining a team that went 11-5 last year and could have Super Bowl aspirations this year.

Next: 15 Best Third-Round Chiefs Picks EVER

Only time will tell though. Will Jamaal Charles need to prove himself more than anyone else this season? What do you think, Chiefs Kingdom?

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