To me it’s mattering less and less who is the starter for the Chiefs at running back.  Why?  Because every running back they have better play and play well.  That includes Jamaal Charles, Thomas Jones, Dexter McCluster, Jackie Battle and whoever else ends up in the back field on purpose or on accident. 

The Chiefs appear to have found a way to run the football.  In the preseason they are second in the NFL in rushing.  Running the ball isn’t often exciting or sexy, but it is the best way to mask weaknesses in other areas.  The threat of a running game is the most effective way to make other areas look better.

One person who needs the help is Matt Cassel.  He is starting to look like a quarterback more in the mold of Trent Dilfer and Brad Johnson than Peyton Manning or Tom Brady.  All four sport Super Bowl rings but the first two were much more along for the line than the latter.  Judging by the yards per attempt this preseason (and years past) Matt Cassel will be much more successful if he’s asked to convert 3^rd and 3’s rather than 3^rd and 6’s or 3^rd and 10’s.  Cassel seems more adept to make the short, high percentage passes than a guy who can make up for a poor play by his mates with his arm.

The defense can also use the help.  5 sacks were a welcome sight against the Eagles but let’s not forget the poor performances getting to the quarterback in the first two preseason games.  This is a defense that does its best work on the sidelines.  As do most defenses. Running the ball and controlling the clock will keep the Chiefs defense off the field.  The longer the defense is out there the more of a chance there will be a big back breaking play or the more of a chance there is that the opponents running game will find a rhythm and start exposing the weak front 7 of the Chiefs.

Special teams are the one place Kansas City fared well last year but I’m sure both Ryan Succop and Dustin Colquitt would appreciate better field position which a good running game often provides.  Another person who could benefit from a better running game is Todd Haley.  The Head Coach would have a lot less second guessing if Charles and Co. can eat up 4 to 5 yards a pop.  Think about it.  What is second guessed on a run play?  Run outside or in?  Left or right?  With the pass people can wonder why you didn’t throw deep or short or intermediate.  What about a screen?  Why isn’t the tight end catching the ball more?  Why is the tight end catching it so often?  Why are there only two receivers in the pattern?  How come no one stayed in to pick up the blitz?  On and on and on.

The Chiefs appear to have made themselves into a running team this year….that or they are completely camouflaging the real game plan and we will see the run and shoot against the Chargers.  For the Chiefs to have a chance to be successful I think what we are seeing is what we better get….a good running game.