Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles gives offense a lift with two TDs
Despite raising concerns about possible concussion symptoms at the beginning of the week, running back Jamaal Charles proved once again how vital his success is to the Chiefs while recording his longest rush of the season.
Charles and the Chiefs recovered from sluggish starts and defeated the St. Louis Rams 34-7 on Sunday, capturing the Governor’s Cup, which was awarded by Gov. Jay Nixon after the game. Charles, who recently became the team’s all-time leading rusher, scored two rushing touchdowns and increased his season total to six overall, with four on the ground.
“Offensively I thought we started out really sloppy and then picked it up as it went,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “The offensive line settled in, and Jamaal did a good job.”
Charles was limited to 15 yards in the first quarter in four carries and two receptions. Although he had fewer yards in the second quarter, he started to get more comfortable with a 1-yard touchdown run on the first possession.
“They had a great run defense that flies to the ball fast,” Charles said. “They have a great defensive line as well, so we knew we were going to have to find a way to get in the groove of our running game. I think our linemen did a great way of finding our way in the second half.”
The Chiefs started to give Charles different looks in the second half, which led to three gains of 10 or more yards. He finished with 117 yards of total offense in 17 touches, with his longest rush of the season coming on a 36-yard touchdown run at the beginning of the fourth quarter. His longest was 26 yards against San Francisco.
“That was a blessing,” Charles said. “I thank God for that, my linemen and Dwayne Bowe downfield. It was great team ball. If we can continue to play team ball, we will continue winning games like that.”
Charles has 25 touchdowns since the start of the 2013 season, which is more than any other player in the NFL. Denver's Julius Thomas is second with 21.
Charles is also one touchdown away from becoming the seventh player in franchise history with 50 or more offensive touchdowns.
To reach Kathleen Gier, call 816-234-4875 or send email to kgier@kcstar.com.
This story was originally published October 26, 2014 at 8:19 PM with the headline "Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles gives offense a lift with two TDs."