Kansas City Chiefs Preseason: Thomas Jones And Jamaal Charles Halfway Through
by Joel Thorman on Aug 23, 2010 2:57 PM CDT
in 2010 Kansas City Chiefs Preseason
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With the latest depth chart coming out and Thomas Jones still on the first team and Jamaal Charles still on the second team, I figured it would be a good time to look at both of the Kansas City Chiefs top running backs through the first two games of the preseason.
Charles has simply looked better than Jones through the first two preseason games.
Game one: Charles has four carries for 37 yards and two receptions for six yards. Jones has two carries for two yards.
Game two: Charles has five carries for 26 yards and three receptions for 23 yards. Jones has eight carries for 29 yard and one reception for two yards.
Total: Charles has nine carries for 63 yards and five receptions for 29 yards. Jones has 10 carries for 31 yards and one reception for two yards.
Charles' presence seems to energize the offense differently. There's no stat for energetic but I think you know what I mean. Some are saying Charles is on the second team for motivational purposes. Some think Jones will truly be the No. 1 back.
I'm just hoping the Chiefs don't go through another half of a season thinking Charles can't do it, only to have him "break out" once again.
So at the halfway point of the preseason, the nod goes to Jamaal Charles.
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I’m just hoping the Chiefs don’t go through another half of a season thinking Charles can’t do it, only to have him “break out” once again.
This is one of my biggest fears too. TJ reminds me alot of LJ last year (running style). Not until they shut down LJ did Jamaal start to be the feature back, and then he tore it up. My fear is that they are going to give TJ the ball 20 times a game for 63 yards and Jamaal will get the odd RB draw.
If this happens, I’m going to punch a baby chipmunk.
by craig in calgary on Aug 23, 2010 3:01 PM CDT reply actions
I used to have a shirt like this... Your comment just made me think of it:
"Reach for new elevation; and see just how high we can go. Full blown determination; will take us further than we know. My own anticipation; keeps the fire from burning out, It's time for domination... no one can ever take us down" - Pillar - "For the Love of the Game"
by Red N Gold Beast on Aug 23, 2010 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions
One f my biggest fears is we will continue to talk about this same subject for the next 2 weeks.
J.Charles is not going to see that many carries this pre-season, why risk him getting hurt, and T.Jones not being familar with the offense. As Yoda would say"Dead Horse, kicking we are."
Disclaimer: Comments above are not meant to be taken with a grain of salt.
by CPT.Caveman on Aug 23, 2010 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Also, for the record
TJ looks better than LJ. A little faster, running with a little more grit.
I love my wife, my kids, and the Chiefs. In that order. Except on game days.
Plus one fumble for Thomas Jones
It just amazes me that on about the same number of carries (one less for JC), Charles has more than twice as many yards. Unbelievable about TJ getting the nod over JC. Of course LJ getting the nod last year was pretty unbelievable too
Charles
Didn’t look all that great in preseason last year.
by groundedchevy on Aug 23, 2010 3:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Who did?
I’m not sayin’… I’m just sayin’….
by Ochophosphate on Aug 23, 2010 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah he definitely didn't stick out
but LJ should have been kicked to the curb a few games into the season. He was horriffic
by ChiefMizzou09 on Aug 23, 2010 4:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Haley has a jones for Thomas Jones
But if he gets the majority of the carries & the team isn’t winning, well Clark and Scott will need to have a little sit-down with Todd and explain to him that this is a business, and losses don’t help the business.
Predictions:
This year will be better
Who cares who is number 1.
I think Charles will have around 15-20 touches a game. and Jones around 10. Jones will be good in short yardage and goal-line.
I agree, and that's what it should be.
However if I’ve learned anything from this administration, its never assume anything.
by craig in calgary on Aug 23, 2010 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions
"However if I’ve learned anything from this administration, its never assume anything"
This isnt like the DJ thing where we would like him to play but all know he does have his games where he dissapears so it at least makes sense. Jamaal Charles is unquestionably the best player on this team. There are plenty of Super Bowls between all these guys and theyre are plenty smart enough to know that you need to get the ball in to the hands of your best player. We KNOW he is a fantastic/electirc running back but we dont know how durable he really is. No need to get him too many carries in the preseason. Jones is going to take some carries but everyone knew that coming in. Its not like Thomas is any slouch either. Its tempting to give him the ball all the time but we all know better than that.
He deserves to start
JC needs to start at the season opener and start for the hole season. He is the best rb and probably the best player on the team but right now he is 2nd string. The chiefs need his energy,spark, and momentum right at the first snap of the game to get the team more hyped and with more momentum. Im just thinkin haley is just letting the veteran jones start for the preseason only.
I think there was a reason Haley said the DBs and RBs are the strength of this team.
Again… Just because Jones gets listed as the starter doesn’t mean anything.
There is NO WAY that Haley isn’t aware of Charles talent at this point. I’ll stake my Chiefs fandom on that… if Charles isn’t used a lot on this team, then I’ll hang up my Chiefs gear and not watch a single game this season. Let me add a disclaimer to that… if Jones comes out in a game and is moving the ball better than Charles, then you kind of have to go with the hot RB at that point… So if we’re not running the ball well and JC isn’t getting touches, I’ll quit.
"Reach for new elevation; and see just how high we can go. Full blown determination; will take us further than we know. My own anticipation; keeps the fire from burning out, It's time for domination... no one can ever take us down" - Pillar - "For the Love of the Game"
by Red N Gold Beast on Aug 23, 2010 3:08 PM CDT reply actions
That's a pretty strong statement, epecially due to the fact that it the exact scenario that happened last year.
by craig in calgary on Aug 23, 2010 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah...
But prior to that year a lot of the fans were unsure of Charles… I was one of them.
I think he’s proven himself.
The coaches are well aware of what Charles brings to the offense. If we can see it, you’ve gotta believe Haley and Weis are aware of it too.
"Reach for new elevation; and see just how high we can go. Full blown determination; will take us further than we know. My own anticipation; keeps the fire from burning out, It's time for domination... no one can ever take us down" - Pillar - "For the Love of the Game"
by Red N Gold Beast on Aug 23, 2010 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions
Except last year
Charles was still having fumbling issues and was having his effort questioned.
I love my wife, my kids, and the Chiefs. In that order. Except on game days.
its not just the difference in backs
the o line still has great difficulty in straight line power blocking, so it would figure that Jones’ stats would suffer
The only measure of true success in the NFL is the Vince Lombardi trophy. Anything less is a rationalization.
doubtful in my book charles gets the nod over jones...
mostly because jones is a monster at pass protection while charles is struggling to be average… i remember a play in particular where charles all but wiffed on a blitzing player… the chiefs say they are a run first team… but i think they place a premium on pass protectors…
http://www.sundaybikes.com/v3/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/sunday-bubble-pegboard-500x350.jpg
If it is obvious to us Jamaal is the man, then
it must be blatantly obvious to the coaching staff that Jamaal is the man.
"The Hammer"
My thought
Jones may be the “starter” all season, but I don’t think that means he’ll get more carries. As far as the pre-season goes, I don’t think they want to give Jamaal a bunch of carries. The guy is listed at 199 lbs, but I don’t know that I’d bet money on him weighing that much. (Does anyone else think he looks like a bobble-head with his helmet on because his body is so skinny?). Anyway, a smaller size back like that is going to break down and lose his explosiveness over the course of a year if he has too many touches. I don’t think they wanted he or McCluster to take many shots during the pre-season. I also think they will force themselves to use Jones even if they know he won’t be as good as Charles simply to preserve him so he stays healthy and explosive all season and hopefully productive for several years instead on 2-3 monster seasons and then suddenly he breaks down and is done.
"There is no charge for awesomeness" - Kung Fu Panda
I thought JC looks a little bulked up this year...
"Reach for new elevation; and see just how high we can go. Full blown determination; will take us further than we know. My own anticipation; keeps the fire from burning out, It's time for domination... no one can ever take us down" - Pillar - "For the Love of the Game"
by Red N Gold Beast on Aug 23, 2010 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm not saying he's not in shape, or strong
but you can’t increase the size of your frame, and I think the guy has a tiny frame.
"There is no charge for awesomeness" - Kung Fu Panda
...
Chris Johnson | #28 | RB. Tennessee Titans | Official Team Site. Height: 5-11 Weight: 191 Age: 24. Born: 9/23/1985 Orlando
Jamaal Charles | #25 | RB. Kansas City Chiefs | Official Team Site. Height: 5-11 Weight: 199 Age: 23. Born: 12/27/1986
and....
Chris Johnson looks like a bobble-head… you’d think someone would accidentally (or intentionally Shawne Merriman) crack him in that hyoage melon of his.
Those two are very similar… Johnson might be a touch faster.
I think Charles gets doubted because he does have a few injuries in his past… Johnson hasn’t had anything that i can think of – so people automatically think he’s solid as a rock.
by Ochophosphate on Aug 23, 2010 3:43 PM CDT up reply actions
Not for long... He's only been carrying for 2 years.
Let’s see where CJ is in 2 more…
"Reach for new elevation; and see just how high we can go. Full blown determination; will take us further than we know. My own anticipation; keeps the fire from burning out, It's time for domination... no one can ever take us down" - Pillar - "For the Love of the Game"
by Red N Gold Beast on Aug 23, 2010 3:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Yep.
Only the greats develop long careers…
"Reach for new elevation; and see just how high we can go. Full blown determination; will take us further than we know. My own anticipation; keeps the fire from burning out, It's time for domination... no one can ever take us down" - Pillar - "For the Love of the Game"
by Red N Gold Beast on Aug 23, 2010 3:58 PM CDT up reply actions
If Tenn doesn't lighten his load soon he will either get hurt or his numbers will slide.
I would argue that they started to slide the last third of the season last year. The first 11 games he averaged a freakish 6.4 yards per carry. The last five games it was 4.3. I would wager that if he hadn’t been getting 30+ touches every week down the stretch he would of been more productive with the touches he had. That’s all I’m saying.
I would rather give the ball to Jones 10-15 times/game and have him average about 4 yards/carry and have JC average 6 yards/carry on his 15-20 then give them all to Charles and by the end of the year only be getting 4 yards/carry out of him.
"There is no charge for awesomeness" - Kung Fu Panda
TJ is getting more preseason reps
but I think Charles will have the majority of the regular season carries. No sense in risking an injury to Charles now, it’s a good opportunity to let TJ get a little chemistry with the offense. If Charles is the secondary back during the season, I’ll be shocked and calling for somebody’s head.
Jones has looked far superior in pass protection than Charles so far, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in there on passing downs. I wouldn’t mind watching TJ pound the rock in late game situations, (if we actually have the lead) but Charles needs to be the man, and anyone should see it.
Yesterday is history, tomorrow a mystery. Today is a gift, that's why it's called the present...
Going to be a VERY delicate situation with JC this year
Being a contract year (I believe).
From a “big picture” standpoint, management wants him to produce, but not produce so much that he wants a huge payout (a la Chris Johnson). And we have to give him enough playing time to warrant him wanting to re-sign next offseason.
If JC wants to be paid top RB money (which I think he deserves) I just don’t see Pioli forking it up. Pioli knows you don’t necessarily need a top RB to win a Super Bowl, but a top QB and defense are a must. Not that I necessarily agree with this approach, I fear it is the way we are headed.
This will be a very interesting situation. I think in the end Haley is going to realize that if we want to win NOW, JC has to be the #1 RB, even if him having a breakout season means he wants big money next year. After a 4-12 season last year I don’t think Haley can afford to play games at the RB position, especially given our troubles with the pass offense.
by Nick Britt on Aug 23, 2010 3:44 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Interesting perspective... rec'd.
However… I don’t think Pioli will survive in KC for long if he doesn’t pay Charles (if he produces). The fan base is on Charles’ side more than it is Pioli’s… and that’s saying a lot.
"Reach for new elevation; and see just how high we can go. Full blown determination; will take us further than we know. My own anticipation; keeps the fire from burning out, It's time for domination... no one can ever take us down" - Pillar - "For the Love of the Game"
by Red N Gold Beast on Aug 23, 2010 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions
You simply can't just not pay your young star players and send them packing...
That will destroy a fan base faster than just about anything.
"Reach for new elevation; and see just how high we can go. Full blown determination; will take us further than we know. My own anticipation; keeps the fire from burning out, It's time for domination... no one can ever take us down" - Pillar - "For the Love of the Game"
by Red N Gold Beast on Aug 23, 2010 3:49 PM CDT up reply actions
True
Carl Peterson did it with Jared Allen though. I don’t think the fans would care as long as we are winning.
You have to remember the NE mindset that every player is expendable. I have no doubt that Pioli and Haley would be perfectly content with a guy like Thomas Jones at RB.
Not endorsing this idea, just throwing it out there for thought.
If JC has a monster season and wants big time money...
…I could see Pioli trading him. TBH if the price is right (a pair of 1st rounders, or even a 1st & 2nd rounder) I say pull the trigger.
This team still has many wholes to fill. If Charles gets his big contract and we get fresh talented players to compinstate I am all for it.
If he has a monster season he deserves to be paid
and pioli better pay him, I would not trade charles…espeacially if he is doing good. that would not be a smart thing to do to trade your best player on the team, again. “this team has many wholes to fill” if charles is gone you just added another hole…when the last “best player on the team” Jared Allen got traded what hole did we fill with him…Glen dorsey…ha…id take JA any day. the cheifs are one of the lowest when it comes to overall in paying players….chiefs need to pay the players that have talent and keep em’
RB's are a dime a dozen...
…they dont have the same ‘3 year learning curve’ as DL, WR, ect.
…it wouldn’t be the first time Pioli has let a ‘star’ go to another team in order to load up on 1st / 2nd round draft picks.
Rememmber what happen the last time one of our RB’s had a monster season and we PAID him? Lets not go there again.
OK but the Jamaal Charles's and Chris Johnson's of rb's
are not a dime a dozen….if they are used correctly then they have a good chance of being elite of all time
Really good points.
I dont think you can totally judge what they will do off what happened in New England. Pioli I think proved when he drafted Eric Berry (at least that when I thought this) that while he does have a general blue print for the things he wants to do, he adapts and will do something you dont neccesarily anticipate. They never had a special(potentially) player at running back in New Englan like Jamaal so I dont neccesarily think they wouldnt want him back at a large contract. JC25 could be a big time play maker for years to come.
Good problem to have
too many good RBs.
I don’t really care about the details, both will get their carries this year, as will the Dex factor.
as long as the offense is productive, nothing else matters when it comes to RBs, IMHO.
this should be the most exciting Chiefs team in years! Most major needs filled with playmakers, and the league's best coaching staff... 10-6 a possibility?
who cares who starts?
They’re both going to get their touches every game so what’s the difference? I’m glad we have 2 good running backs that we could rotate and keep fresh.
by Berrygood10 on Aug 23, 2010 4:21 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
my thoughts exactly
this should be the most exciting Chiefs team in years! Most major needs filled with playmakers, and the league's best coaching staff... 10-6 a possibility?
i don't know, I would be upset if I was Charles
If you are clearly the better back (which he is), and in fact if your the best player on the team yet the coach won’t even give you the nod to start….I would take it as a slap in the face from Haley. I know both will get their touches (hopefully JC a lot more), but I’m just saying I think Charles should get the start.
Charles might care at some point
but, that doesn’t mean we, as fans should care that much.
It’s a great problem to have, a loaded backfield.
I think Charles is a good team player, and doesn’t feel like he HAS to get all the glory… see the Denver game last year, when he could have broken the record, but told Haley to let someone else have a chance
this should be the most exciting Chiefs team in years! Most major needs filled with playmakers, and the league's best coaching staff... 10-6 a possibility?
I really hope your right
I just don’t want to see such a talent wasted. Hopefully he won’t be.
He won't be when it's time to be paid
Hopefully Pioli will be proactive with guys like him, Hali, Flowers, Carr, etc. They are all coming to the end of their 1st contracts, and are going to want to be paid.
One thing to keep in mind.
Charles has had a history of putting the ball on the ground. He appeared to get better last year, but I’m sure Haley reminds him of it and probably would like to see a long streak of carries with good ball security before he gets too anxious to start him. While Jones fumbled the other night, he doesn’t have a history of doing so.
Playoff predictions? Really? From 4 wins?
Man JC have proven himself
On field and papper… he is the best RB on the team period… and to tell you the truth… he is the LT of the AFC WEST NOW I don’t see no RB better then Him in the AFC WEST….and the coaching staff no this…about the talent… they ain’t slow… JC will start come week 1… that game is a must win and we must have all our weapon’s to assume position that game…just like people been saying they haven’t been seeing Dex in the slot… man this is a cover up…the TRUE IDENTITY OF CHIEFS WILL BE REVEAL COME WEEK 1…
Maybe..
the coaches think that starting jones is the best way to get production out of both of them. they give jones the early carries so he can get going. JC is the type that can come in and break a long one immediately.
I think of it kinda like what Popovich(even though i hate the Spurs) did with Manu ginobili when he won the 6th man award. They viewed him as someone who can come in and score anytime. They started him on the bench to get a spark later in the game. He ended up playing the 3rd most minutes on the team behind duncan and parker.
The plan could be to play JC more than jones even if JC doesnt start.
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