Still, it seemed to take a while, as it has at times earlier this season, for the Chiefs to lean on Charles as often as Jones. It was Charles who, until a meaningless carry late in the first half, averaged 6 1/2 yards per rush. And it was also Charles who, despite that success, had only three carries in the first half.
Charles said in the locker room afterward that he was in a hurry and couldn’t speak to reporters.
Coach Todd Haley wouldn’t say why it took so long to get Charles involved in the rush offense Sunday, indicating that the team’s game plan included more of an emphasis on Charles in the passing game. He had two catches for 33 yards, including a 25-yarder that set up a touchdown.
“The key thing is, when you have a position of strength,” Haley said, “is letting them all contribute or enabling them all to contribute so you’re not wasting a resource.
“Jamaal helped us real early in the pass game, and then he made some big runs. Thomas made some big runs, one real big one coming out of the gate, when we were trying to set the mindset of how we were going to do things.”
It's frustrating for owners to see what could be if Charles got more work. Even on 12 carries and a couple of catches, Charles is putting up solid points.
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