The Case For a Power Back
by WtexKC on Jan 9, 2010 11:35 AM CST
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PrintGoing into the ‘09 season I think that 2 things were clear. One was that Larry Johnson was on the down slope of his misguided career and the other was that the Kansas City Chiefs needed to find their running back of the future. Well, here we are in 2010 and I'm proud to say as a former Longhorn that we have found that future star in Jamaal Charles. At 5'11'' and 199 pounds Jamaal has galloped into the hearts of Chiefs fans everywhere. The once labeled "change of pace back" has proven that he can carry the load to the tune of 190 carriers for 1,120 yards, the only guy in NFL history to surpass 1,100 yards with fewer than 200 carries, quite impressive. But, if you haven't been hiding under a rock for the past year then you already know this, Jamaal is the man in KC.
So, we have our lightning, we have our dash, now all we need is that thunder/smash back to compliment our collegiate champion sprinter. Don't get me wrong, I do think that Jamaal has proven that he can handle 20+ carries in a game and perform well. But I also think that if we had a true power back to pair with his unique set of skills it would only speed his progression in this league. Let's be honest, when it comes to running backs in the NFL, Jamaal Charles is not a big guy. I watched him take so many hits this year, many times thinking to myself, I really hope this guy gets up after that one. Come on, you have to admit that a little part of you was scared when you saw Jamaal laying on the ground after Ayers decided to go Hulk Hogan on the guy. You can't tell me that Mr. Ayers would be doing that to a 230 pound bruiser back. Jamaal has shown everyone in the league that he has arrived, I just don't want him forced into an early exit.
A big smashmouth running back would only add another dimension to the offense of the Kansas City Chiefs. It's third and goal on the 1 yard line, what do we do? Play action pass to the tight end? Outside sweep to Jamaal? No, lets put in big thunder and let him plow his way to 6 points. I understand in order to do this you need a descent offensive line but that's another post entirely. We need a power back to help wear down a team's run D. Imagine tackling a 230 pound big man and then on the very next play having to try and chase a 199 pound sprinter, not too easy a task.
I'm not writing this post to say that Jamaal needs less carries. After averaging 5.9 yards/carry this season I think we would all like to see him be used more. What I'm saying is that I don't want this guy to become another casualty of the long grueling season of the NFL. A power back could become Jamaal's best friend and put our running attack in the top 10 in the league. I'm not the brightest crayon in the box and I never claim to have all the answers but I think that this is a need that our coaching staff must address in the offseason if we would like to have Jamaal setting Chiefs records for the next 5-10 years. Now comes the question, which back do we go after? Well arrowhead pride, that's where you guys come in. Do we go after a free agent bruiser or try our luck with this year's draft which we all know is a deep class? My choice is....... Toby Gerhart, the 6'1'' 235 pound senior from Stanford, what's yours?
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Arrowhead Pride's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Arrowhead Pride writers or editors.
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I don't know how well a power back would work with our zone blocking scheme
I do like Gerhart, but I would hate to take a RB that early in the draft
What the world needs is more geniuses with humility, there are so few of us left.
How early is too early?
If we could get Gerhart with our 3rd round pick (where he may be) would that be too early?
Im not entirely opposed waiting on LeGarret Blount. But only because he is more than likely going to be a 5/6th rounder so the money investment will be minimal.
"Readin's don't never not dun nuthin' for not nobody!" ---Early Cuyler
by averagegatsby on Jan 9, 2010 12:08 PM CST up reply actions
3rd would be fine
I assumed he would be taken in the 2nd
What the world needs is more geniuses with humility, there are so few of us left.
Scouts has him like 90 overall I think
"Readin's don't never not dun nuthin' for not nobody!" ---Early Cuyler
by averagegatsby on Jan 9, 2010 1:42 PM CST up reply actions
i agree gatsby
I like Blount in the 4-6 range. Power back? he’s 6’2", 240. Thats better than a power back, hes a beast. I know there are some concerns out there about his attitude, because they come up as replys to some of my comments before; and I think there is certainly some validity to those concerns. But, he will not be in a feature back situation, and we will not be heavily invested in him. If he becomes a problem, and he sucks, we can cut him. If he is an ass and he is good, then we can trade him.
by jakethesnake27 on Jan 9, 2010 5:32 PM CST up reply actions
I agree with the late round Blount pick....
If it wasn’t for him flipping a gasket and attempting to attack fans he would have been a 2nd round pick(there still is a chance Al Davis might pick him up with the 2nd round pick). I really like Blount, and I hope that he has learned when he needs to turn his motor off!
I wouldn't mind
if we took Gerhart with our 3rd round pick but thats only because I think the kid is going to be a special player in the NFL. But, I’m with you on Legarret Blount, he’ll be a great value if he falls to the 5/6th and could be an immediate impact player.
Dorin Dickerson
We should get a player that can play fullback for our smash and this guy could be a bargain late in the draft. We have a few other positions to fill early.
Dorin Dickerson, Pittsburgh
Height: 6-2. Weight: 230.
Projected 40 Time: 4.55.
Projected Round (2010): 6-7.
10/10/09: As Pittsburgh’s goal-line back, Dorin Dickerson has six touchdowns on 20 carries through five games.
2/6/09: In his college career, Dorin Dickerson has played wide receiver, fullback, tight end and linebacker. They talked about having him as hot dog salesman, but that didn’t pan out. Dickerson caught 13 balls for 174 yards and two touchdowns as a junior.
Could he not pass the mustard?
had to, couldnt help it!
Winning begins with Attitude - Haley and Pioli will be winners in KC!
I'll forever be a Chiefs fan! Only God himself could take that away from me, but when I get to my great reward, I'll rejoin two bigger fans, my Mom and Dad.
Tim Castille?
"The spirit, the will to win, and the will to excel are the things that endure. These qualities are so much more important than the events that occur." - Vince Lombardi
I would have completely agreed with you a few weeks ago...
But the more I think about it, the more I wonder if Jamaal would benefit more from a really good Full Back to take on more blockers meaning Jamaal could get hit less, or at least not as hard behind the line
"Readin's don't never not dun nuthin' for not nobody!" ---Early Cuyler
I dont see this as an immediate need at all
obviously Cox and Castille did a good job this year or we wouldnt have a 1000 yard rusher.
Winning begins with Attitude - Haley and Pioli will be winners in KC!
I'll forever be a Chiefs fan! Only God himself could take that away from me, but when I get to my great reward, I'll rejoin two bigger fans, my Mom and Dad.
I think there's more of A Case For O-Line in 1st Round of Draft more than anything ...
lanier, good points … now let’s get som pass-blocking, that will open up the running gmae, and that will …
ahhhhhhhh you guys know the drill
OL OL OL OL OL
after that, y’all draft who ya want
hi, Mo!
5 minutes!!!
Im not saying draft one high...
But lets say Oklahomas Clapp is hanging around in the 6th… Is it worth the shot… Especially if we don’t draft a RB
"Readin's don't never not dun nuthin' for not nobody!" ---Early Cuyler
by averagegatsby on Jan 9, 2010 1:21 PM CST up reply actions
And like I said...
with the caveat that we don’t take a RB earlier. This team has too many holes to draft a Back up RB and FB in the same draft.
"Readin's don't never not dun nuthin' for not nobody!" ---Early Cuyler
by averagegatsby on Jan 9, 2010 1:44 PM CST up reply actions
1) Ayers would hit a Mack Truck like that … he gets paid to make those hits, period … and he loves his job
2) anyone can get hurt anytime in football … Trent Green, Tom Brady … non intentional stuff, but it happens, nature of the game … so, you wanna do what, see to it Charles doens’t ever get tackled because he might get hurt? riiiiiiiiight …
3) we have FB’s … they’re supposed to take on some of those defenders to begin with
4) I think you have it backwards … you tire the other D down with a scatback like Charles and THEN pound them with a widebody
5) if a power back was such a great idea, LJ might still be a Chief
other than that, sure … you got it 100% right
hi, Mo!
5 minutes!!!
by upamtn on Jan 9, 2010 1:07 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
1.) I highly doubt Ayers could do that to a mack truck. And he actually lost money when making that hit so you have that wrong.
2.) you references two QB’s when making your point. a qb is more at risk for those “unintentional” injuries because they’re sitting in the pocket with their blindside exposed. Running backs are taking hits head on and those can add up during the coarse of a season. A big running back could take some of those hits away from Charles and help to wear down a D.
3.) Just because we have fullbacks on our roster doesnt mean that they are good. We also have OL who are supposed to block the other teams DL but that doesn’t always happen now does it?
4.) Either way your making the same point that I am which is that this team would benefit from a big back, so thankyou.
5.) LJ? A power back? yeah, maybe 3 years ago. now days the guy goes down on first contact, at least he did with the Chiefs. Jamaal breaks way more tackles then Johnson did. And it was Johnson’s off field issues and comments that got him booted from the Chiefs.
look at your own #3 ... that's why I'd like the team to get O-Linemen
a power back? 4th or 5th round fine by me … we just have so many other needs, more pressing IMNSHO needs, than a “power back”
Haley doesn’t do “smashmouth football” … if he was Schottenheimer we’d already have that power back
and LJ … if he cou;d (would?) play like he did 3 yrs ago they’d have kept him on the team regardless of what kind of twitter the twit was putting out
hi, Mo!
5 minutes!!!
I realize
taking a back in the 3rd round is being a bit greedy but a guy can hope right? I would be fine in taking a 5/6th round back because I think this years draft will be deep. I too believe we need to address our o-line problems, both in the draft and free agency, but like i said that is an entirely different post all together.
again
he DID address it, just not to your liking.
Colin Brown, Goff, Ndukwe, Alleman, cutting McIntosh…. LOTS of changes… not all of them worked, but I’m tired of hearing that the OL “wasn’t addressed”
You're either growing or you're dying, there ain't no third direction
-Big Tom Callahan
Brown was on IR all year so that didnt address much, Goff was a complete bust, and Ndukwe is a backup at best. I think Alleman could help but I dont think it’s any secret we could use some upgrades on our O line.
again, I'm not arguing that those moves "fixed everything"
just that it wasn’t IGNORED, like people want to say
You're either growing or you're dying, there ain't no third direction
-Big Tom Callahan
I too would like to see more OL upgrades this year, of course
I’d try to get a new starting Center, a starting calibur Guard and an OT for depth and competition.
I do like the way the OL improved this season, though… and I don’t think they are desperate for help, as many of us think
You're either growing or you're dying, there ain't no third direction
-Big Tom Callahan
LOVE that guy
You're either growing or you're dying, there ain't no third direction
-Big Tom Callahan
we found a starter in free agency
O’Callaghan is going to be at the RT spot for a long time. As you said Alleman may be a solution at RG..
It may very well be that the simple addition of a LT would make our O line good.. Albert> LG, Waters> C.
So saying the O line wasn’t adressed really isn’t fair
KRRRAKATAWAA
agreed
O’Call has been very good.
a MORE simple solution is to just replace the Center, and keep everyone else in place
You're either growing or you're dying, there ain't no third direction
-Big Tom Callahan
cheaper too
"For what we are about to see next, we must enter quietly into the realm of genius." Scott "Young Frankenstein" Pioli
stag, my point was that it wasn't addressed IN THE DRAFT
… and that by the time he started to do anything it was far too little and far too late (see: Goff, Mike)
hi, Mo!
5 minutes!!!
I know what you're saying
but, to be fair, Colin Brown was drafted to be the RT, potentially…
it just hasn’t worked out.
He didn’t address it “early enough” in the draft or “often enough”
But, I can see why… there were plenty of needs on the team, and not that many great OL prospects in the rounds KC was picking
You're either growing or you're dying, there ain't no third direction
-Big Tom Callahan
I'd like to see Mark Ingram
in a Chiefs uniform. He could be the next Emmit Smith. I know we have a lot of needs but if we could fill some of those needs via free agency, Ingram might not be a bad first pick.
hell, I can even imagine Cassel completing a pass behing a good line ...
… but then, I do hallucinate often
hi, Mo!
5 minutes!!!
Stafon Johnson from USC
I like him as a late round pick, not a huge back but 5’11 220 and i think he is over his neck injury.
I think...
they will take McKnight. Johnson would be great in the 5th.
by I_Bleed_Red. on Jan 10, 2010 10:05 PM CST up reply actions
A bruising back is easy to find in FA for a minimal price
I would like to pick up Peyton Hillis from the Broncos. The guy plays with a ton of heart and ole’ Denver did not use him much this year. He could play FB or be are brusing RB if needed. I think we should save our 3rd pick for some quality lineman or shore up the wider receiver spot (Jordan Shipley).
Peyton Hillis is perfect
he’s a good runner, great receiver, great blocker, special teams stud…
I’d be VERY happy to see him in KC
You're either growing or you're dying, there ain't no third direction
-Big Tom Callahan
Hillis is a guy a lot of teams will be targeting
But I bet he’d love to take a crack at the Bronco’s twice a year.. I would not mind having him i our stable at all..
KRRRAKATAWAA
he would also do very well in our zone blocking scheme as he did before denver went away from it.
by MountainManMike on Jan 12, 2010 9:41 PM CST up reply actions
when is his contract up?
if i remember right, he may be a year away from being a FA…though who knows, mcd might just cut him or package him in a deal with bmarsh.
by MountainManMike on Jan 12, 2010 9:43 PM CST up reply actions
I really wouldn't mind seeing a power-back
But for God’s sake, let’s make it an effective one (unlike LJ). I’d love to see a good 1-2 punch.
Braccae illae virides cum subucula rosea et tunica Caledonia-quam elenganter concinnatur!
NO
there is no excuse for a guy throwing a cheap shot punch at the end of a game.
You can’t say he’s “changed” or that’s a “one time mistake”…
it’s a sign of a guy who can’t control himself, and isn’t stable.
LJ made “one time mistakes” a lot, as did a lot of guys currently in prison.
Blount could fall all the way out of the draft, and I still wouldn’t sign him as a rookie free agent
You're either growing or you're dying, there ain't no third direction
-Big Tom Callahan
lame? really?
You're either growing or you're dying, there ain't no third direction
-Big Tom Callahan
Yeah, lame
There’s no excuse for some lineman who just blew out a highly ranked team to be running his mouth on the way off the field. Its not like that game was close or that emotions were high during the game, it was a straight blow out. Fucker got what he deserved and should have been suspended for one game less than Blount.
either way, no matter how much shittalking is going on
you don’t walk up and sucker punch someone
classless, stupid, out of control
NOT going to be a Chief, nor should he get the chance, IMHO
You're either growing or you're dying, there ain't no third direction
-Big Tom Callahan
I suppose by that you're also against getting Spikes at ILB
You didn’t say it, but the notion that Blount is a “locker room cancer” is beyond bogus. While suspended he fully accepted his reduced role as scout RB. When he came back he had no problem backing up James. This guy is the definition of team player.
I am absolutely against Spikes as well
I’m not talking about a locker room cancer.
I’m talking about a liability to lose his cool on the field, like Richie Incognito
not the type of player I want to see on this team, and not the type of player Pioli and Haley want either, IMO
You're either growing or you're dying, there ain't no third direction
-Big Tom Callahan
I'm waiting for the AP choir boys to bad mouth DT...
for his one time loss of control.
by HIV 2 Elway on Jan 11, 2010 11:57 AM CST up reply actions
First off it was not a suckerpunch...
If you run your mouth to someone, and push on their shoulder… Then they cold cock you because you turned your head(because your coach yelled at you). That means you got what you deserved.
You don’t show up to a gun fight with nothing but a knife.
That was the least concerning inncedent of the evening.
The most alarming is that Blount was going to go into the stands to attack a taunting fan. This is what is keeping him in the 5th round… not that he cold cocked some pansy.
And Blount is comletely innocent
Didn’t run his mouth during that game at all… Sure the guy from BSU was wrong, but usually you don’t go out of your way to yell something about someone’s momma if they weren’t saying stuff to you about your momma earlier…
Why can’t people just shut up and play the game? Worked for me. I played 4 years of college and beat plenty of people. When they mouthed off I just shut my mouth and hit them harder.
Coffee. The NEW Performance Enhancing drug for Sport's Writers. Just ask Ken Rosenthal.
The case AGAINST a power back
- this offense works better with a slasher like Charles
- this offense is better with a RB that can catch the ball and pass protect
- versatility is key
- LJ was a “power back” he couldn’t convert short OR long yardage
- Charles has shown a great ability to get a tough yard or two
- the best short yardage backs KC has ever had, arguably, are NOT power guys… Marcus Allen and Priest Holmes
- ZB calls for a quick RB who is very decisive in his cuts
- bringing in a short yardage back is a pretty clear signal on what the offense plans to do… reducing the chances of success
My recommendation? Get another RB to spell Charles that can do some of the same things Jamaal can. If it ain’t broke… don’t f&ck it up!!!
You're either growing or you're dying, there ain't no third direction
-Big Tom Callahan
by stagdsp on Jan 9, 2010 4:58 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
a copy of JC
i think dexter mccluster would be another back very similar to JC and might be available in the 4th rd. he would be a guy to take a shot at. he has so much raw talent, but just needs to bulk up a bit to take the punishment of the NFL
there you go
that guy’s a playmaker and a returner… and he wouldn’t cost too much.
I commented in the other RB post that I don’t think KC HAS to draft a RB, but they could take one if the right guy fell
You're either growing or you're dying, there ain't no third direction
-Big Tom Callahan
sounds good...
i think that having a back similar to JC would be good insurance because where is our offense without him?
by MountainManMike on Jan 12, 2010 9:49 PM CST up reply actions
Rec Stagdsp
"For what we are about to see next, we must enter quietly into the realm of genius." Scott "Young Frankenstein" Pioli
The guy you described is already on our roster
his name is Javarris Williams.
Ultimately Williams is Pioli’s guy and we won’t be taking a RB this year unless it’s through free agency.. There are too many substance picks to be made
KRRRAKATAWAA
yeah, that's a possibility
it could be Tim Castille, too.
I wouldn’t put it past Pioli to draft another RB this year… but I don’t think he’ll be desperate to do so
You're either growing or you're dying, there ain't no third direction
-Big Tom Callahan
I guess
I just didn’t see enough off Williams to pass judgment on him yet, I hope he proves to be the answer but he has far from proven himself.
yep, it's VERY early on for him
Haley seemed to have good things to say about him
we’ll see how it goes.
In fact, IF they draft a “power” RB, it’ll be clear that they weren’t sold on Williams yet
You're either growing or you're dying, there ain't no third direction
-Big Tom Callahan
I prefer to have another back simular to Charles
Why have different plays for different players? If we need a power type back, LenDale white maybe available cheap.
I dont think of it
as having different plays for different players. I think of it as being able to run certain plays for effectively with different players. And Lendale did cross my mind.
LenDale White if needed. But the solution to a longer career for JC is a better passing game
He’s a free agent. But he should be for goal line situations and 3rd downs in which Charles is fatigued.
We all know we saw the downfall of what could’ve been two HOF backs Holmes and L because of a lack of passing game and taking constant hits, but after Drafting a Benns or Shipley in the 2nd along with picking up a Ben Watson. Charles won’t be fatigued because we have the option to pass.
Also note, LJ was a power back so he ran to contact and not away from it. Charles will usually be tackled in a shoe string type of tackle. He wont face as many big hits as LJ and priest did because he is 100 times faster
Who ever it is needs to take half the load
You can not expect JC to carry the ball 25 times and last. 12 to 15 times is enough. Need a 220 to 240 lb back that has the speed to get to the line quickly allowing the line to pick up the second block. Defences are so fast a slow back is a liability. it sounds to me Todd and Scott are looking for speed. With the needs of this team I don’t think a back will be taken before the 4th round. Then most people didn’t think jackson would be drafted 1st ethier.
gordymule
True...
I think he can be a solid player, but the kid is never going to be a star.
by I_Bleed_Red. on Jan 10, 2010 10:10 PM CST up reply actions
seriously dude
tone down the F bombs.
Coffee. The NEW Performance Enhancing drug for Sport's Writers. Just ask Ken Rosenthal.
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