Steelers vs. Chiefs: Five Questions with the Enemy

Dec 7, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Chiefs 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Each week as the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for their matchup we will go behind enemy lines to get the scoop on the team they’re facing with a member of the FanSided Network. Today we have Brett Gering, editor of Arrowhead Addict, giving us the scoop on the Kansas City Chiefs. He discusses the alleged decline of Jamaal Charles, the Chiefs’ pass rush against the Steelers offense, the fans’ confidence level for both Alex Smith and Andy Reid, the strengths and weaknesses of the team and a prediction for the game and score.

Is Jamaal Charles the same running back he used to be? Is this season’s decline just injury-related or a sign that he’s on a decline from wear & tear of all of the carries he’s had in his career?

He’s still the same running back, but a number of things have caused his role to dwindle.

Charles himself hasn’t shown any signs of aging. His 5.2 yards per carry match the second-lowest average of his career, but the second-lowest average of his career still ranks as the second-highest in the NFL right now (among RBs with 100 attempts). In comparison to 2013, that aspect of his game has actually improved, and he’s currently tied for the league lead in total touchdowns.

That being said, his opportunities have nosedived, which have caused his overall numbers to follow suit.

Due to the team’s Week 1 dumpster fire and his Week 2 injury, Charles only had nine carries and five receptions throughout the first two games of the year. And at this point last season, he had 63 more carries and 46 more targets to his name.

The progress of Travis Kelce, Knile Davis and De’Anthony Thomas also haven’t helped his cause.

Charles’ ceiling hasn’t lowered, but the floor of his supporting cast has risen.

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