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Just seven weeks ago Larry Johnson(notes) and his former employer
parted ways in a divorce that would make Tiger Woods’ expected marital dissolution
seem amicable.
Back in late October, the long-time Chief, then just 75
yards shy of Priest Holmes’(notes) all-time team rushing record, wasn’t a happy camper
playing for a substandard team. Fueled, as he described, not by anger but
rather overt competitiveness, he purposely rocked the boat by issuing
non-Rupaul approved remarks toward KC supporters and other disparaging barbs
thrown at front office officials and coaches on his Twitter account. After a
brief hiatus in "football purgatory," he was appropriately dumped, only to be rewarded with a
roster spot on a Super Bowl contender known historically for harboring unsavory
characters.
But beauty can emerge from the ugliest situations.
Left in the wake of Johnson’s maelstrom laid a babe of
divine origins – a star of wonder, star of light, star with royal beauty
bright. His name: Jamaal Charles(notes).
During the most critical time of the season, the JC of KC
has guided owners, and presumably Magi, to thy perfect light. Sickly teams
burned by forgettable draft picks (i.e. Matt Forte(notes)) and injury misfortunes
(i.e. Ronnie Brown(notes)) have been healed by his holy powers. Since becoming a starter in Week 9, the multipurpose
threat has flashed the tools needed to be an every-down back – power,
explosiveness and versatility. In a way, he’s resembled a miniature version of
Chris Johnson.
His numbers are nothing short of outstanding. In his seven starts, the second-year standout has averaged 129.3 total yards
per game and scored six touchdowns. He’s also netted an astonishing 5.4 yards
per carry. His incredible down-the-stretch consistency – he’s scored in six
straight – is eerily similar to what Pierre Thomas(notes) achieved at this exact point
a season ago. Surely his eBay-profitable image will miraculously surface on
pierogies, Cheetohs, dental x-rays and the flabby arms of beer-pounding fans (Like this guy).
Though the Chiefs continue to lose games, Charles’ riveting
run has injected excitement back into one of the league’s most loyal fanbases. He’s the perfect weapon for a creative offensive mind. Todd Haley, who
once believed the youngster was merely a lightweight platoon back, is starting
to come around. After last week’s surprisingly entertaining clash with Cleveland, a game in
which Charles was overshadowed by Jerome Harrison’s(notes) historic day, the normally
unflattering coach spoke highly of his rising back. From the KC Star:
"Jamaal again showed he’s pushing to try to be
one of the top guys in the league at that position. He’s continued to impress me. Those are things we have to grab on to … "
With Cincinnati
hosting KC this week, media outlets will understandably
focus on Johnson, but his former understudy could grab the headlines.
Cincinnati
boasts an unyielding frontline. Only one rusher, the aforementioned Harrison,
has surpassed the century mark against it. And on the year, the Bengals have
given up just 3.9 yards per carry to backs. More discouraging, they’ve
surrendered just four ground scores since Week 7.
Despite the daunting task, Charles’ well-roundedness is
problematic for Cincinnati.
The Bengals have stuffed backs between the tackles, but against flexible
weapons, they’ve struggled. On the season, they’ve yielded the sixth-most
receptions (5.7 per game) and third-most yards to backs (51.2 ypg). The
22-year-old, who possesses tender hands, will likely contribute significantly
in the passing game. Don’t bet against him.
As for Grand-Ma-Ma, you know he’s itching to gift Scott
Pioli and Haley a gingerbread cookie in the shape of an acrimonious "bird." Due
to his improved play (2.7 ypc with KC, 4.7 with Cincy) and KC’s’ horrendous
interior execution, he certainly could produce excellent flex numbers. The
Chiefs have allowed a very generous 5.4 yards per carry, 222.8 total yards per
game and eight touchdowns to backs since Week 11, equal to the most fantasy
points. If LJ, who probably believes revenge is a dish best served cold, can
convince Marvin Lewis to expand his role, he could gain appreciable numbers on 10-12
touches. For weeks the Bengals coaching staff has wanted to limit Cedric
Benson’s(notes) workload. Maybe this time they actually do.
In fantasy and reality, the dissolved relationship between
Johnson and the Chiefs couldn’t have worked out better. Charles, who could
creep into the late first-round next drafting season, has been a godsend.
Meanwhile Johnson, motivated by retribution, could yield sizable flex totals
for bling-seeking owners in deep formats.
Depending upon your situation, it’s possible the former
teammates could deliver more than socks and underwear this holiday weekend.
Week 16 Fearless
Forecast (Charles): 19 carries, 79 rushing yards, 5 receptions, 37
receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 17 fantasy points
Week 16 Fearless
Forecast (Johnson): 10 carries, 53 rushing yards, 1 reception, 5 receiving
yards, 1 touchdown, 11 fantasy points
What are your thoughts on Johnson/Charles this week? Where
does the JC of KC go in drafts next year? What is your favorite Christmas
carol? Holiday desert treat? What form of
punishment should the Noise accept for jinxing Arian Foster(notes)? Discuss.
—
Image courtesy of the
AP