Young Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles is expected to be the centerpiece of the Chiefs’ offense, and he must prove early that he’s up for the attention that he’ll receive — defensive coordinators know about him now. Kansas City head coach Todd Haley has to keep Charles grounded throughout the preseason, reminding the youngster that he’s not a star yet and that veteran back Thomas Jones would gladly accept the starting job if Charles regresses.
Charles spent the 2009 offseason working on conditioning and strength; he should have repeated that routine this year. Now he must show signs that he can keep improving and that last year’s statistics weren’t a fluke.
The presence of Jones will likely keep Charles from approaching the top five at the running back position, but his explosiveness will help fantasy teams win plenty of games in 2010.