Even when Charles returns, the Chiefs are likely going to use a running back by committee approach and keep Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West involved.
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But with several capable backups, the Chiefs appear in no rush to get him on the field. If Te’o and Perryman fill the running lanes and tackle with force, the Chargers should be able to force the Chiefs into passing the football more than they would like.
But Houston, who returned an interception for a touchdown against the Chargers last season, begins the season on the physically unable to perform list and won’t return until at least October. “I’m practicing, and I couldn’t be happier about where I’m at”, Charles said last week.
Ware is the more powerful back who established himself as the early down back for the Chiefs with Charles out last season. Add in the fact that this is a division rivalry and that the Chargers have been money ATS dating back to last season, I have to go with the Chargers as a road dog.
“All of those guys have different things that they do well”, co-offensive coordinator Brad Childress said.
BUCKLING DOWN: There are also questions in the secondary, where second-year pro Steven Nelson and Phillip Gaines have been competing for the starting cornerback spot opposite Defensive Rookie of the Year Marcus Peters. Without star linebacker Justin Houston, recovering from his own knee surgery, the Chiefs will rely on the 32-year-old Hali to provide some kind of pressure on the quarterback. The All-Pro has only been with the team about a week. However, at this point the team should be 11-4 with the division title wrapped up, so I would expect the starters not to play much, in order to rest heading into the playoffs.
“They’ve come up and saved us plenty of times in years past”, he said. While it would be better if he did practice, Tamba has been on a pitch count all offseason anyway and probably doesn’t need the practice like everyone else. If you have to pick one, go for Gates, because he will get the most looks in the red zone.
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