After running for more than 1,500 yards last season in his return from a devastating knee injury, Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles now is getting a chance to showcase his versatility. He's been catching plenty of balls out of the backfield while also lining up at wide receiver for new coach Andy Reid.
Charles is now running plays that are designed for him to catch passes from new QB Alex Smith, which means a whole lot more studying. He no longer has to learn only the blocking schemes and when to pick up blitzes -- like he would if he lined up exclusively in the backfield -- but he also must read pass coverages and find open spaces down the field.
"Jamaal is a big part of it," Reid said. "He's capable of doing the same things [Brian Westbrook] did (and) [LeSean McCoy] did, as far as the passing game. He's a legitimate threat with his speed, his route-running ability and his hands. He catches the ball very easily."
We currently project Charles to catch 57 passes in 2013, which would be a career high. It sounds as if he'll be a very busy running back.
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