The Kansas City Chiefs offense has been nothing short of disappointing for the most part: until last week against the Oakland Raiders, that is. With over 400 yards of offense spearheaded by a monster rushing performance, the Chiefs offense looked like an awakened beast. What changed for this squad?
Kansas City Chiefs Offense: The Awakening
Through five games ,quarterback Alex Smith has thrown just five touchdown passes. He’s continued to be conservative and not take shots down field. That didn’t change last week. Why then could the game against Oakland be considered an awakening? Because Smith didn’t need to take those shots down field. He didn’t need to throw 30+ passes. He didn’t even need to throw a touchdown to beat the Raiders 26-10.
The Chiefs ground game was absolutely killer. Three different guys ran the ball in for a score. Spencer Ware completely thrashed Oakland’s defense. He had a 5.5 yards per carry average with his 131 yards on 24 attempts and a score. Despite Jamaal Charles being present during this game, Ware set career highs in both yards and touches. He looked every part of a dominant centerpiece for a strong offense. Big defensive tackle Dontari Poe bulldozed his way into the end zone for a rushing touchdown from the goal line as well. This rushing attack could be described most accurately as diverse and well-rounded.
The Backfield Boys
Jamaal Charles had nine carries of his own during this Oakland game and reached the end zone for his first score of the season. When asked how he’s feeling, Charles has told reporters that he is “110% and ready for the training wheels to come off.” Charles possesses elite speed, vision, and elusiveness and his traits would add an entirely new dimension to this backfield. Almost no other back can match Charles’ pass catching ability out of the backfield. With a 4.34 40 time, Charles is fast. He can torch defenses and get away from tacklers with his elusive and agile running style. Charles can free up pressure on the rest of the offense as well. Defenses must always account for him because when he finds space, because he is always a threat to score.
Ware, who has filled in while Charles has been down, runs in a style almost totally opposite. He’s a slower back who runs with a powerful, aggressive downhill style. He almost seems to invite contact and will almost certainly break through half hearted arm tackles. He’s almost a little like a poor man’s Marshawn Lynch.
In Conclusion
The Chiefs could have a deadly one-two punch in their backfield if that were to be the approach they chose to take. Jamaal Charles, who runs like lightning with speed and agility, combined with Ware, who runs like thunder with power and strength, could be a nightmare for the opposition to deal with. Considering how careful Andy Reid has been with Jamaal Charles as he comes back from last year’s ACL tear, this could be the case for a while. The coaching staff of the Chiefs seem intent on carefully easing Charles back into the lead back role he’s accustomed to. For now, keeping him in a role alongside Ware and letting them complement each other may be best for both Charles and the team.
The offense looked much improved against the Raiders and proved that Andy Reid does indeed dominate after a bye week. Everything is finally starting to click. This new and improved success on offense should be here to stay and should only grow stronger. The passing game will continue to develop and pick up alongside the dominant rushing attack. If the Chiefs find a balance between them there’s no telling what they could do to opposing defenses.
