Position Overview: Running Backs
Until the start of training camp late next week, we will take a look at the Chiefs 2009 roster and break down the 80 players based on the nine position groups. We’ll also provide perspective on what each position has done in this decade of Chiefs football.
Over the history of the Texans/Chiefs franchise, the guys wearing red and gold have always able to run with the football.
That was until 2007, when the offense had a record low 1,248 rushing yards. The Chiefs rebounded last season with 1,810 yards. That was still below the decade average of 1,961 yards per season posted by the offense.
The Chiefs will need to match that average or go beyond in 2009 if the offense is going to be productive. But they begin training camp with only one proven NFL runner, and Larry Johnson’s recent history makes it a dicey proposition to count on him. Johnson had a good and quiet off-season and that provides hope that his life and career is now under control. If that continues, the Chiefs chances for offensive success and winning improves considerably.
Here’s how the bodies break down in the backfield.
HALFBACKS
Jackie Battle (2nd season/12 games/14 carries, 47 yards, 1 TD/2 catches, 2 yards, 0 TD). His first NFL rushing play came near the end of the 2007 season when he scored on a tough three-yard run against the Lions. Since then, Battle’s opportunities have been limited. At times he has really flashed on the practice field, as he’s a big runner (6-2, 238) with a burst of speed, but there have always been bodies ahead of him on the depth chart. His best chance to break through will come in this pre-season. Battle will also have to contribute in the kicking game; he had four special teams tackles last year.
Jamaal Charles (left) (2nd/16 games-2 starts/67 carries, 357 yards, 0 TD/27 catches, 272 yards, 1 TD). Without a doubt if the Chiefs offense has a home-run hitter with the football in his hands, it’s Charles. He still possesses speed that’s just a hair lower than world class and last year created a 75-yard gain out of a pass play. In the open field he’s a tough man for any defense to handle. Charles has a tendency to hop when he begins his runs and that drew the ire of the Chiefs new coaching staff during off-season workouts, since that robs him of a quick start. Last year, he also showed himself a willing, if not very accomplished blocker in the backfield. Charles was just 21 years old last season and there was one big hole in his game: fumbles. He lost two fumbles in November last year that turned into 10 points for the opponents.
Larry Johnson (7th/68 games-48 starts/1,243 carries, 5,638 yards, 55 TDs/139 catches, 1,293 yards, 6 TDs). We’ve gone beyond the point with Johnson to be able to predict the future; his mercurial personality and lifestyle make concrete statements a waste of time. Based on what he showed through the team’s off-season work, he is ready for a big season. Johnson flashed the power and speed that we saw from him back in 2006. He must still prove that he’s a complete back, that he can be a reliable receiver and blocker. There’s nothing lacking in his physical ability to handle those duties; it’s been more a matter of focus and techniques. The Chiefs absolutely must have a productive season from Johnson. Without it, Matt Cassel is going to struggle.
Dantrell Savage (2nd/8 games/15 carries, 53 yards, 0 TD/2 catches, 0 yards, 0 TD). What did Herm Edwards compare him too? A bowling ball with knives if I remember correctly. Many people have been wrong over the years under-estimating this young man. But there really doesn’t appear to be a roster place for him at running back. His chance will have to come on special teams, not only on kickoff returns but also jumping in on coverage.
Kolby Smith (right) (3rd/23 games-9 starts/147 carries, 507 yards, 3 TDs/32 catches, 200 yards, 0 TDs). His status for the start of training camp remains unknown, but it’s expected that he will begin on the Physically Unable to Perform list. The patellar tendon injury he suffered generally takes a full year to recover and rehab. Smith suffered the injury in November ‘08. By his reports, his rehab has gone well and he may be ahead of schedule, but it would not be a surprise for him to start the regular season on the PUP list. The question after that is whether he can come back and run at an NFL level as he’s done in the past. A pre-injury Smith provided a perfect complement to Johnson’s running style
Javarris Williams (Undrafted rookie/43 college games-33 starts/849 carries, 4,329 yards and 42 TDs/58 catches, 788 yards, 2 TDs). During the off-season work, Williams showed a nice burst and wiggle in the hole, but it’s hard to see where he fits in the position picture. He’s another player and another rookie who must be very visible in the kicking game if he hopes to stick. His draft status gives him one more chip at the table, but he’ll have to accumulate a few more if he wants to be part of the 53-man roster.
FULLBACKS
Jed Collins (1st/43 college games-16 starts/8 carries, 12 yards, 2 TDs/80 catches, 899 yards, 6 TDs). He spent time with both the Eagles and Browns last year, but did not get on the field for any regular-season action. Collins started the off-season working with the tight ends, but eventually became a fullback. He played both positions and defense in college at Washington State. Collins will begin camp on the bubble and will stay there through August. Haley has spoken glowingly about the talent at tight end, so there’s a chance the team may end up taking an extra body there. If so, that would put the fullback spot in some question. Blocking and special teams are his ticket to the 53-man roster.
Mike Cox (2nd/16 games-5 starts/1 carry, minus-2 yards, 0 TD/8 catches, 19 yards, 0 TD). Last year, he made the roster as an undrafted free agent, largely because of his connection with offensive coordinator Chan Gailey – both were at Georgia Tech. He was a reliable blocker but made very little contribution in the kicking game (two tackles). Whether Cox can take his game to another level remains to be seen, but he’s another guy who thrives on being under-estimated.
CHIEFS ALMANAC/RUNNING BACKS
Likely number of RBs on final roster: 4 or 5.
- A pre-camp prediction on the final four: Charles, Johnson, Battle, Cox, with Smith on PUP.
RBs that started in this decade: 13.
- Halfback (8): Priest Holmes 63, Larry Johnson 48, Kolby Smith 9, Kimble Anders 7, Mike Cloud 6, Derrick Blaylock 5, Tony Richardson 5, Jamaal Charles 1.
- Fullback (6): Tony Richardson 73, Kris Wilson 10, Mike Cox 5, Donnell Bennett 2, Ronnie Cruz 2, Jermaine Williams 2.
RBs Drafted by Chiefs in this decade: 9.
- First-Round: Larry Johnson 2003.
- Third-Round: Jamaal Charles 2008
- Fourth-Round: Frank Moreau 2000, George Layne 2001, Derrick Blaylock 2001, Omar Easy 2002.
- Fifth-Round: Dante Hall 2000, Kolby Smith 2007.
- Seventh-Round: Javarris Williams 2009.
Top 10 Chiefs Runners Of The Decade
| Player | Games | Rushes | Yards | Average |
| Priest Holmes |
65 |
1,321 |
6,070 |
4.6 |
| Larry Johnson |
68 |
1,243 |
5,638 |
4.5 |
| Tony Richardson |
92 |
277 |
1,105 |
4.0 |
| Derrick Blaylock |
40 |
156 |
723 |
4.6 |
| Trent Green |
88 |
171 |
692 |
4.0 |
| Kolby Smith |
23 |
147 |
507 |
3.4 |
| Tyler Thigpen |
15 |
62 |
386 |
6.2 |
| Jamaal Charles |
16 |
67 |
357 |
5.3 |
| Kimble Anders |
15 |
76 |
331 |
4.4 |
| Johnnie Morton |
43 |
25 |
261 |
10.4 |
great write up Mr.Gretz!
I aldready think we have our LJ replacements in house. This being LJ’s likely last oppurtunity at a big payday (and with other rbs pushing him), I expect to see his best out on the field. Anything else will have him riding the bench as he ultimately did under both Herm and Vermiel.
LJ needs someone to ride him hard, and Haley is that type of person.
Javarris Williams was a 7th round draft choice, not an undrafted free agent.
Seventh-Round: Javarris Williams 2009.
itchief,
(Thats his correction later in the article)
I for one expect alot from both LJ and charles this year. We do have a better line in place this year, no not great, but better. More solid position at qb hopefully, I think out D will be better. I hop LJ does awesome and Charles will be a great 2nd back and our future at RB
Except for LJ none of these guys are anymore than just guys. Haley may get something out of the group at least for 09. We need more quality RBs on roster not just role (maybe) players.
‘Depends’ on Larry Johnson? Yes & no, double entendre…
daddy-o
As was reported on the LBs, this RB group is pedestrian at best, underwhelming being the more descriptive adjective to employ. If LJ reverts to his former sulky self, as I think he will, I have 4 words for all of us regarding the Chief’s stable of RBs:
Watch the waiver wire.
We need to sign Edge for some insurance. Or Warrick Dunn. What could it hurt?
Do it.
I am probably wrong but I think the last player to be a starter from the waiver wire was Waters. We all talk about the players who get cut early but the history is very few get picked up by KC. Probably wrong.
A healthy, un-Hermed LJ is still easily a top 5 NFL RB, and that’s what we have this year. Charles is a very good change of pace back, but LJ is a 3 down back, not like the idiot used him last year. Bring back the screen to LJ, a huge weapon which the clueless Herm virtully abandonned. Some of his great runs have been on screens, when he has a few steps to get his power. When you want to rest him, give Charles full series, like SD always did with LT and Turner and now LT and Sproles.
Kolby is a 3rd back at best, Battle runs amazingly soft for his size, so I hope Williams comes on.
Dunn? Dunn is DONE.
Stop with Warrick Dunn, hes not better than charles at this point in fact, since charles can block, we dont need more backs…Smith WILL be PuP, and thats fine, charles/LJ are highly underrated, considering charles can go the distance at any time, and LJ has a bad rap(that he earned). However its hard to look at the roster and not see a turnaround type season for LJ…
where would dunn fit? 3rd downs? thats charles, who is faster, can block just as well, and dunn may have em beat on catching out the backfield but not on future potential. bringing in another body to put charles to 3 on the depth chart is pointless when we need to see what he can really do, as well as what Battle(kept on the roster for 2 years now) can do.
oh right, and where “can it hurt” to sign dunn?
Special Teams.
Expect LJ to have a 1300 to 1400 yard season if he remains healthy. Keep in mind even last year he’s had big games even when we went away from him. There were games when he had 11 carries and 80 yards. That 200 hundred yard game against the Broncos. Even when running the crazy pistol Larry he had some decent games last year. With the upgrades in adding Golf at guard, Albert losing weight, and Waters hopefully putting his pride aside expect the offensive line to be much better than last year.
I like our stable of RBs. I would feel better if Smith was ready to go. If our line can block at all this year we will be fine at RB (if we stay healthy). I think Charles still has a lot to show. Battle is our next LJ, he just hasn’t been given the chance to show it yet. Kinda reminds me of how LJ started out. We will get a chance to see how well Pioli can draft with Williams. Did Pioli really think that he could make our roster at RB or was it just a throw away pick?
Sorry, Alex. I completely disagree. Dunn has the experience…and could help this team. Charles has potential, certainly. But we could use a savvy veteran at running back. If anything happens to LJ-injury, suspension, temper tantrum…we’ll be screwed.
And I’m still not sold on the LJ thing, anyway. The only success he ever had was running behind one of the best O-lines to ever take the field.
“LJ is underrated”? No. I think it’s the opposite. He’s overrated. A great season-and-a-half or two does not make a good player. He’s nothing more than another one of “those players” who’s wasted a ton of potential on being a baby. If he would have put in the work, he might have been one of the “elite”.
And Charles’ “future potential” would only helped by adding a “pro” like Dunn or Edge…who are both known for their work ethic and class, on the field and off. LJ could learn a thing or two from either one of these guys, too.
I am confident in our RBs, think we will bring LJ, Charles, Williams and Savage with Smith on PUP.
If the o-line does it’s job, I’m very comfortable with our running game.
I agree with Mark, not enough screens last year. LJ is dangerous when he points down field. If he does’nt get caught in the backfield & makes the turn on the end, the secondary is lucky to stop him. Lest we forget, LJ has a nose for the end zone. It’s only been two years since he was “the man”. His body has not been beat up much since 2006. The 10 million dollar man is in no pain, has an attitude & something to prove, both to himself & the fans. I see him as the Fantasy pick RB of the year.
Charles is fast & sly like a Fox. He can catch the ball & run like the wind. (as long as he hangs onto the ball). If these two RB’s stay healthy & can tolerate each other, Cassel will have a field day on the play action pass or simply dump the ball to the #1 receiver.
Boy, it’s easy to create all this excitement on a keyboard.
Won’t block/can’t catch? Depends; some feel Larry earned the rap.
Talks too much/is a legend in his own mind? Check; but enough about the new Chiefs golf coach
daddy-o, ’search’ & ‘check’ affirming…
I’m glad some of you guys feel confident in our current RB’s. I wish I felt the same. I know one thing without a doubt…if we can’t have some success running the ball this year, our offense will SUCK.
interesting, jimbo, who is this #1 receiver you got Cassel throwing to?? Not “lost focus during game and drop them” Bowe?? Scott I agree and expect tons of suction at Arrowhead in 09.
tm1946,
I assumed each passing play has a #1 receiver or route. Not necessarily “Dwayne drop the ball Bowe”. I too, sometimes hold my breath when a ball is thrown his way.
Hopefully this year he will be better. I still think he’s among the best in the league at additional yardage after the catch.
“With the upgrades in adding Golf at guard…”
Fun is required here…I thought it was adding Golf at head coach and MG at guard…LOL.
Screens & LJ? This seems to me like revisionist history, at it’s worse. When did LJ ever make a living catching the ball?
LJ ran inside when he was tearing up the league. I want to see the Chiefs start running some sweeps again, pulling the guard and center out as lead blockers. I think Herm and “the short passing game is our run game” bullsh*t about wore the screen out. Time to get NASTY in the run game, and sweeps are a great way to set a tone.
Look at some of the screen plays that LJ caught and made long runs on, Mr Anonymous. No “revisionist history” at all.
Really!?
Lets look at some numbers…
In sixty eight games running the ball, LJ has:
Att 1,243 Att/G 18.3 Yds 5,638 Avg 4.5 Yds/G 82.9 TD 55 Lng 65 1st 295 1st% 23.7 20+ 41 40+ 11
Receiving:
Rec 139 Yds 1293 Avg 9.3 Yds/G 19 Lng 78 TD 6 20+ 13 40+ 2 1st 59
I’m not saying these numbers are bad, but it’s NOT what made LJ!!
So Mr. Mark, if you don’t like my terminology, to Fn’ BAD! It’s accurate!
If I’d had time I would have looked a little further and gotten how many times he was thrown to to reach 139 receptions.
A RB averaging nearly 10 yards per catch is OUTSTANDING, on a large number of catches, and as your own stats show, there were plenty of long receptions in there. Since LJ isn’t a downfield pattern runner like an LT, or like Faulk was, they were mostly on screens. I never said it’s what “made” LJ, but it was a component of his game the Clueless Herm severely underutilized.
Thanks for proving my case with your own research.
hmmm,
I missed the part that said all whopping 139 of those receptions were screens.
Morph the numbers any way you want, the fact is LJ is not the ideal guy catching the ball outta the back field. Go look at Kimble Anders numbers, that’s what a truly effective receiving back does.
As I said Herm wore the screen out! It’s a tool to be used moderately, even less with LJ.
You convinced me. LJ blows.
Kimble was great as a receiver, but he never averaged more than 8.8 yards per catch in any season. LT never averaged 10. Edgerrin James never averaged 10. LJ routinely averaged 10 ypc when he was utilized as a receiver. How did Herm wear the screen out? By rarely using it? How did LJ come up with 139 catches other than mainly screens, since he’s not a down the field receiver?
You can skew the facts till your heart is content, but I ain’t the one! You might convince some “real fans”.
1992, Kimble Anders, aypc 13, so, wrong on that point Mr. Mark.
Career
Games 109 Rec 369 yrds 2829 avrg 7.7
Even if LJ makes it to a 109 games (41 to go) his receiving numbers will be well below that.
The Chiefs threw to their Backs 91 times last season. So, using your speculation (which I agree with) that the majority of those would be screens. That shoots the hell outta “Herm NEVER ran the screen”. I guess you’ve forgotten Herm’s “our short passing game IS our running game” comment.
*I wish I had time to look up number of times thrown to, I searched some, but not exactly sure where to find it quickly.
Forgot to add, the only way he could even scratch Anders total number of catches (230 to go) would be for him to play for Herm for another 2.5 or 3 seasons, depending on Herms whim. If he stays here or goes to a team that knows how to use him correctly, he’d have to play 8 more seasons. IMO
“The Chiefs threw to their Backs 91 times last season.”
I meant to say completed 91 passes, not threw to.
C’mon Mr Anonymous. You can do better than that. Kimble caught 5(FIVE) passes in 1992. I’m talking about a real season.
Please show me the 91 completed passes to our backs last year. I can’t get that number from any source.
I get 60, That’s my bad, I’ll tote this. That’s what I get for trusting someone else. I should have known better.
Still, 60 completed passes is hardly “never” throwing to the backs.