[Kansas City.com] Coach Todd Haley said that, despite a breakout 2009 season and a strong performance in Friday’s preseason opener, running back Jamaal Charles’ role is “still to be determined.”
Veteran Thomas Jones remains listed as the No. 1 running back ahead of Charles, a third-year back who rushed for 1,120 yards last season.
“Jamaal is a developing player,” Haley said Monday. “Jamaal is a player that, last year at times in that development, had good days, bad days and in-between days like a lot of other guys. That is part of the development, and that is part of becoming a dependable player on a daily basis.”
Haley said Charles has had a strong camp, even though he was unable to work out or practice during much of the offseason because of shoulder surgery.
Just Haley’s way of pushing his players to get the best out of them. You can’t keep a player that averages over 5 yd per touch off the field. Charles will get his touches. The role of a feature back has lessoned over the years. It’s all done by committee now.
Comment by Jeff in VA — August 17, 2010 @ 9:18 am
Its still undecided???? We know what he does and can do!! He should be the #1 back!!!!
Comment by Matt — August 17, 2010 @ 9:40 am
Jeff is probably right that he is just trying to motivate Charles. He will also get his touches when we need him most. Also, Thomas Jones is better built to take the beating on first and second downs anyway! Finally, this will only lengthen Charles’s career which is good for Chiefs fans. He will still be fresh when the rest of our team is ready to do something special. Like a Superbowl!!!
Comment by DC Chief — August 17, 2010 @ 10:46 am
“Haley said Charles has had a strong camp, even though he was unable to work out or practice during much of the offseason because of shoulder surgery.”
Just pour some beer on it and then rub some dirt in it, it’ll be as good as new.
Comment by chief tom — August 17, 2010 @ 12:59 pm
Charles is a star on the verge of a pro bowl type season. The coaches better give him his fair share of carry’s. T. Jones is good but I think Charles has the skill to be a top 5 back in the league.
Comment by Chief Brad — August 22, 2010 @ 12:44 am
I hear what you guys are saying, but here’s what concerns me; I don’t want another cat and mouse came Haley played with LJ & JC – situation where Haley spent too much time allowing JC to develop and allowing LJ to play longer than needed,it still upsets me to think what kind of season we could have had if we went with JC earlier IMO We definitely need both backs and since both of them bring different skill sets we should have different packages that will play to each RB’s strengths. I’m confident that Haley will make the right choice but it concerns me when he makes comments in reference to the fact that JC is still in developmental phase, he is ready and we need to wind him up and let him go!
Go Chiefs!
Comment by Ed from Oklahoma — August 22, 2010 @ 9:58 am