KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- There may be no more valuable player on the Kansas City Chiefs than Jamaal Charles, the game-breaking running back with the slick moves and world-class speed.
His success this season could be closely tied to that of Knile Davis.
The Chiefs have given Charles a remarkably light load in training camp and preseason games in an effort to keep him healthy, and that has meant more work for Davis.
If the former Arkansas Razorback can be productive enough, the Chiefs may continue to give Charles a lighter load once games start to count, which would keep Charles fresher over the 16-game regular-season grind than he has been the past couple of years.
"You just want to see that steady No. 2 running back right now that can come in in a pinch or come in and give Jamaal some needed rest and has that explosiveness," Chiefs offensive coordinator Doug Pederson said. "He's more of your downhill type of runner."
In other words, Davis also gives the Chiefs that "thunder and lightning" look, not unlike what they had with Charles and Thomas Jones a handful of years ago.
Davis certainly has proven to be a workhorse.
When Charles was hurt last year against Denver and missed the following week at Miami, Davis ran 32 times for 132 yards and 1 touchdown. He also had 16 carries for 107 yards while splitting carries with Charles the following week in a drubbing of New England.
But Davis also had plenty of forgettable games: 10 carries for 25 yards against San Francisco, 16 carries for 49 yards against St. Louis, nine carries for 11 yards against Oakland and nine carries for 23 against San Diego.
Running the ball has never been an issue for Davis. He proved he could do that just fine during a standout career at Arkansas.
The big question has been his hands. Specifically, his ability to catch the football and hang onto it.
So to alleviate the concerns of Chiefs Coach Andy Reid, Davis spent much of his offseason in Houston and Dallas working with trainers on his route-running and receiving. He wanted to prove that in an offense that demands running backs to catch balls out of the backfield, a bruising running back with a downhill style can be a contributor.
"That's what Andy wants to see me do better," Davis said. "Come out of the backfield and run routes, be in the slot, be out wide, things like that. Be more versatile. I think I've worked on that, and I think he can tell the difference and I think he's gaining confidence."
No need to wonder whether Reid can tell the difference.
"We knew he was a good runner," Reid said. "In the pass game, I think he's improved. He's spent a lot of time working on that."
He's had more time to work on it during the preseason.
Through the first two games, Charles has been on the field for a total of 10 snaps -- two in the opener in Arizona and eight last week against Seattle. He has yet to log a carry, touching the ball only three times on short passes.
Davis has been on the field 51 snaps, including 40 against the Seahawks when he had 11 carries for 29 yards along with 2 catches.
Things might change a bit Friday night when the Chiefs play Tennessee, with the third preseason game typically being the dress rehearsal for the regular season. Reid said Wednesday that the starters will play three quarters, which means Charles should finally get some work.
Just how much? That question will be answered in part by his backup.
"I'm feeling confident," Davis said. "I'm ready for my role to increase."
Sports on 08/27/2015