Chiefs Can Do Better than Battle
By Stephen Brown
Last season was a tough road, but as players went down others stepped up. Running back Jackie Battle had the most carries of his NFL career helping to step in for injured Jamaal Charles.
Battle carried the ball 149 times for 597 yards and two touchdowns. At 6-2 238 pounds Battle was a big load, but with his new found spotlight Battle wants to test the open market. Battle doesn’t feel special teams is all he’s cut out for.
really enjoyed his role last season, but if the Chiefs go shopping via free agency and possibly the draft there’s better choices than Battle.
Don’t want to be harsh, but the name of the game is to get better; not sure re-signing Battle would accomplish that.
According toKFFL.com a possibility to help Charles might be Patriots BenJarvus Green-Elli. ESPN’s Bill Williamson and Scouts, Inc.’s Matt Williamson also think free agent BenJarvus Green-Ellis would be a good fit for the Chiefs backfield.
Green-Ellis has history with Scott Pioli, insight with Brian Daboll’s offense, and can be the short-yardage technician for Kansas City. Green-Ellis had 11 touchdowns for the Patriots last season. Green-Ellis is 26, been in the league four seasons, and has playoff experience. According to Green-Ellis agent Joel Segal they’ve had “on and off” discussions with the Pats over a new contract.
What about Dex?
Dexter McCluster isn’t a possibility. Some fans think so but not me. Dex is a special player and has ability no doubt. His speed is an asset and so his attitude. Plenty gave Tim Tebow a hard time over his faith, but I’ve asked McCluster about his.
McCluster’s proud to be a Christian, but Dex isn’t a compliment to Charles. Dex is the Chiefs sneak attack, a special weapon, a punch a team doesn’t see coming. Dex has a big heart, but fact is he’s one of the smallest players in the NFL.
McCluster said at the end of the 2011 season he definitely wasn’t maxed out, but over an entire season it wouldn’t work.
Realistic options in free agency might be Peyton Hillis (CLE), Mike Tolbert (SD), Michael Bush (OAK), or Ryan Grant (GB). There are others, some 30+ free agent running backs to look at, but the Chiefs need the right one.
Some think the Chiefs might draft Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama if available with their pick.
If the Chiefs are on the fence with Charles carrying the entire load it makes sense. Charles tore the ACL, so Richardson would be valuable insurance in case Charles isn’t 100 percent. With the 11th or 12th pick Richardson would be the best player available. Richardson would give Chief fans an amazing one-two punch and making Kansas City tops in the NFL.
A right tackle is a priority, the offensive line is important, but remember Will Shields was taken in the third round and Dave Szott in the seventh. Tim Grunhard was a second round pick. Great Chief offensive lineman I’ve known haven’t been your first round picks, Brian Waters wasn’t drafted at all.
In 2007 the Arizona Cardinals passed up Adrian Peterson at No.5 for offensive tackle Levi Brown. Experts say Richardson is the best running back prospect since Peterson.
If Richardson is sitting there when the Chiefs pick I say take him. Thomas Jones is done and the Chiefs can do better than Battle. Pioli has to move on somebody that will help Charles, but provide a bigger punch to the offense.
BenJarvus Green-Ellis makes a lot of sense, but so would Richardson. There’s more guarantee with BenJarvus Green-Ellis because the Chiefs have cash, but a potentially huge payoff if the Chiefs pick Richardson.
I’m anxious for free agency to start period!
Good day, Chief fans!
“I played a bunch of special teams throughout my career but I’m a running back true and true,” Battle told Andrew Bogusch and Pat Kirwan on SiriusXM NFL Radio Monday afternoon. “I want to play as much running back as I can. I’m looking for an opportunity to get a bigger running back role. And hopefully it’s with the Chiefs.”
Just 28 Battle has been a player that’s managed to stick with the Chiefs. Certain 2010 was Battle’s last season with Kansas City the Chiefs brought him back.
Kansas City needs a No.2 to support Charles, Charles is returning from a torn anterior cruciate ligament, so a reliable back to help Charles is a must in 2012.
There are options and the Chiefs have money. Having the opportunity to talk to Battle in the locker room Battle’s a humble guy, Battle
During his three year tenure, Richardson helped lead Alabama to two BCS National Championships and a SEC Championship. He was a consensus All-American, Doak Walker Award winner and a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2011
