Jamaal Charles Leveled By Chargers S Brandon Flowers
Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles broke the all-time team rushing record on Sunday, but it was definitely a tough ride. San Diego’s Brandon Flowers leveled Jamaal Charles on his record-breaking touchdown run in the second quarter. Flowers hit Charles so hard, the Chargers’ safety knocked himself out. The hit may have been worth it, as the Chiefs snapped the Chargers’ five-game winning streak. The Kansas City Star described the milestone, “It was a trademark Charles run, one [that] showed off his speed, vision and, surprising power. The run tied the game at 7-7 and catapulted Charles past Priest Holmes.
After the game, Charles said, “That was as good of a play as I’m going to get.” He added, “Flowers put a big hit on me, but I’m thankful that I got up healthy,” Charles said. Charles finished with 95 yards on 22 carries. His 6,113 career rushing yards are 43 more than Holmes. The number two running back in Kansas City Chiefs history finished with 6,070 career yards.
Charles NFL Legacy
Aside from the big hit Jamaal Charles sustained from Brandon Flowers, Charles is building an impressive list of NFL accomplishments. Charles has been selected to the NFL Pro Bowl three times and chosen as a First-Team All-Pro twice. If Charles can keep up his current pace, the Hall of Fame is within reach. Charles ranks 77th all-time in career rushing yards in the NFL. Over 70 percent of the backs who exceeded the 11,000-yard barrier have made the Pro Football Hall of Fame. However, the 11,000-yard plateau could be difficult for Charles. Chiefs’ Head Coach Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Doug Pederson employ multiple running backs in their offensive sets. Charles could be elected to the Hall of Fame with a few more seasons like 2013. That year, Charles led the AFC in rushing with 1,287 yards.
Game Notes
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith must enjoy playing at Qualcomm Stadium. Before Sunday’s victory at the “Q” Smith and his teammate, Reggie Bush led Helix High to consecutive San Diego Section championships. In college, Smith threw five touchdown passes against San Diego State for Utah in the team’s BCS-busting season of 2004. On Sunday, Smith completed three straight passes for 43 yards on the game-winning drive capped by rookie Cairo Santos‘ winning 48-yard field goal with 21 seconds left. The Chiefs made the AFC West a three-team race.
Coach Andy Reid, in his second season with the Chiefs, improved his career record in games following a bye week to 14-2 (.875), the most victories of any NFL head coach in games following a bye week.
“I don’t think there’s a secret to it,” said Reid, who compiled most of that post-bye magic while coaching Philadelphia. “When we have good players and good coaches, good things happen. I’ve been lucky enough to be in those situations.”