Kansas City Chiefs: Jamaal Charles, Peyton Hillis Could Be Used in Multiple Two-Back Sets in 2012

By Alek Frost
Senior Writer

The Kansas City Chiefs released their Week 1 depth chart Wednesday, and it provided a very interesting revelation. Jamaal Charles and Peyton Hillis are both listed as starters at running back.

The Chiefs have two groups of halfbacks listed; Charles leading one group and Hillis heading the other. The fullback position doesn’t appear on the list at all.

While Hillis could be an option at fullback (he played there in college and at times during his NFL career), the Chiefs more than likely won’t use a traditional fullback all that often. There is no one ahead of Hillis at running back other than Charles, so he won’t be playing fullback on a regular basis either.

As a result, the unconventional depth chart leaves a number of questions unanswered. How often does Kansas City plan on using Hillis and Charles in the same backfield? Will it come via the traditional halfback/fullback tandem? Or will the pair be used in a variety of formations, giving the Chiefs two very effective runners to choose from, on any given play?

Whatever the answers to those questions may be, having the speed and agility of Charles and the strength of Hillis in the same backfield, is bound to create mismatches. While it’s unlikely Charles and Hillis will be on the field together often against the Atlanta Falcons, the combination could still be lethal, even if used in moderation.

Neither back had a spectacular 2011 season, but the talent is there. Charles suffered an ACL injury in Week 2 that ended his year, and Hillis had a tumultuous season in Cleveland, that began with a contract dispute and ended with his departure.  

In 2010 however, when both were the featured back for their respective teams, they accumulated a combined 2,644 yards rushing, 945 yards receiving and 21 total touchdowns. Of course it will be impossible to replicate those numbers while splitting carries at any rate, the duo could be the difference in a very competitive AFC West.

A formation that puts that much talent in one backfield, could make the running game a mystery wrapped in a riddle inside an enigma, for opposing defenses.

      
Follow Alek on Twitter: @Alek_Frost

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