2013 Outlook: Could Andy Reid’s Move To KC Make Jamaal Charles Even Better?

by Ray Kuhn

Andy Reid is an offensive coach, that much we know. His system clearly works for running backs as LeSean McCoy previously had success under the new Chiefs head coach.

In Kansas City Reid now has another speedy, slashing running back to work with in Jamaal Charles. The addition of Reid bumps up Charles’ draft position, and it’s not like he was a slouch last season to begin with.

There are a number of factors that are working in the running back’s favor heading into 2013. Not only does he get a new offensive minded head coach, but the Chiefs also have a new starting quarterback in Alex Smith. While Smith might not be an exciting quarterback, he is a solid game manager and his addition will help Charles.

Aside from any new coach, offensive system or quarterback, what will help Charles the most is his health. Yes, I know it sounds crazy right? Last season in his return for ACL surgery, the running back played in all 16 games and gained 1,509 yards on the ground while scoring five touchdowns. He also caught 35 passes out of the backfield for another 236 yards.

Prior to his injury in 2011, health was never an issue for Charles so I would not hold his injury against him. Plus he came back strong last season, and players are usually better in their second season back from injuries like the one Charles had.

So there is no reason not to expect a monster season from Charles in Reid’s offense. Without a doubt Charles will be the focal point of the Chiefs’ offense this season, and with his health being at 100% he appears to be ready to carry the load. If an offense was ever designed for a player, this offense is tailored made to Charles’ skill set.

When projecting Charles for this season, I would not be surprised to see a slight decrease in the yardage total, but that is only because he will be utilized more in the passing game. If you were to project Charles’ yardage as a whole this season though, at worst it will stay the same thanks to the fact that his catches might increase by 20 or 25 under Reid.

I would also venture to guess that he will find the end zone more than the five times rushing that he had last year. Charles should also get more than the one receiving touchdown he scored in 2012.

It is hard to believe, but I think Charles is primed to have a better season this year than he did in 2012. The receptions will increase, as will his touchdowns and a lot of it can be attributed to the addition of Reid.