The Chiefs are coming off of a strong 2015 season that saw the team score its first playoff win in 22 years.
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Kansas City Chiefs back Jamaal Charles is officially listed as doubtful against the Chargers, and coach Andy Reid said Friday that Charles is “probably not going to play”. Reid indicated that the back in the game would be determined by how the Chiefs line up in given situations. The Chiefs getting that monkey off their backs has many in Chiefs Kingdom excited for this year.
It could be easier in the opener against San Diego with Charles still working his way back from last season’s ACL surgery. At this point, Charles is no lock to play in the first month of the season. The 5-foot-10, 229-pound back rushed for 403 yards and scored six touchdowns last season, but it’s truly how he made the most of his opportunities, averaging 5.6 yards per carry. “All those little things of managing the game that’s where that all comes out to play and the more you play the better you get at it”.
“I’m very blessed and fortunate to have guys that understand what it takes to be a pro”, Bieniemy said. Depending on where you go, the Chiefs are either favored by 6.5 or seven points. Most believe that the Chiefs will be able to run the ball against the Chargers and, while on defense, stop the run.
The total has gone under in the Chargers’ last four games against the Chiefs.
They have their players and their system in place, and a clear vision about how to go about their business. The All-Pro safety did not sign his franchise tender and report to training camp until August 31, so he missed all of the preseason.
Reid certainly did not count out Charles, but it does seem like the Chiefs will be without their star back at least for one week. The Chargers drafted Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa third overall to try to bolster a defense that struggled last season, but he signed late and has been slowed by a hamstring injury that likely will keep him off the field Sunday.
INJURY WATCH: Pro Bowl linebacker Justin Houston will not be back until at least midway through the season after having surgery to fix a knee ligament in February.
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The Chiefs responded to several factors in deciding how much work to give to West and Ware last season after they lost Charles.
