Fantasy owners of Jamaal Charles continue to reap the benefits of the Kansas City Chiefs running back. Charles is already averaging 24.5 touches per week, on pace for 392 touches total this year. That is a pretty big number as Charles continues to prove to be a strong threat in the Kansas City offense. While he already has a large work load, the running back is requesting more.
Charles has dealt with injuries in the past, making it a bit worrisome when he asks for more carries each game. Offensive coordinator Doug Pederson is confident that Charles can handle whatever work load he requests as his season's stats prove it.
"He's a guy who steadily wants a little more each week, a little more responsibility, and the more he gets comfortable in our system and what we're asking him to do, we'll put a little more on his plate," Pederson said, via the Kansas City Star. "He's so explosive, and we want to be able to use him in that fashion and create matchups in our favor."
Leading up to Week 7, Charles leads the NFL in yards from scrimmage, helping the Chiefs to an undefeated start to the season. Charles has accounted for 775 total yards of the 1,958 put up by the Chiefs this year. And somehow, Charles is still not satisfied. Not concerned about his body, the running back is worried about staying at the top.
"I'm not worried," Charles told USA TODAY Sports. "Sometimes, I don't even really get hit. Sometimes, I try to hit them before they hit me. It doesn't matter about how many touches I've gotten. I'm not even worrying about that. It's not even in my mind. I'm just worrying about how to stay successful."
Charles has managed to stay healthy to start the year. He has moved past some lingering foot blisters that caused him pain for several weeks. Now Pederson has no plans to lighten the work load of the running back as Alex Smith relies heavily on the ground game each week.
Charles notes that a reason for his success is the scheme put in place by new head coach Andy Reid. His offense is better suited for Charles than the one created by former coordinator Brian Daboll.
"We're doing all kind of run plays that I haven't done before," said Charles. "I'm down with whatever. As long the ball's in my hands, I can try to make something happen."
Charles is right about that. He leads the team in rushing while sitting second in receiving. He is the offense and Smith is the game manager. Fantasy owners should continue to be very pleased with Charles in the coming weeks.