Denver Broncos Jamaal Charles: Comeback Player of the Year Candidate
The constant theme for Denver Broncos players remains the chip on the shoulder mentality to prove doubters wrong and Jamaal Charles is no exception…
Over his career, Jamaal Charles ravaged the Denver Broncos defense as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs. Charles has encountered numerous injuries over the past three to four years. Despite the injuries, Charles is the NFL career leader in yards per rushing attempt as a running back. He is higher than Jim Brown, Gale Sayers, and Barry Sanders. Let that sink in for a moment.
“It’s not any big pressure; it’s just exciting to be around a new room. They’re probably excited to be around a new guy. I’m excited to be part of the room,” Charles said (quotes obtained via Denver Broncos PR).
Charles signed with the Broncos to prove to the rest of the league he still has plenty left in the tank. He certainly has no ill-will toward the Chiefs, but seeing Peyton Manning recover from his neck injury was a plus for Charles. Worth noting Charles stated a willingness to take a pay cut with the Chiefs; however, it was not in the team’s plans.
“I thought maybe they would give me a grace period. But I haven’t performed the last two years,” Charles said about his time with the Chiefs.
“At the same time, I know it was about business. I think it would have been cool if they came and told me about a pay cut because I think I would’ve taken that pay cut, because I think I owed it to them for allowing me to be on the team. But I felt like when I got the call, it was just like, man, it was just OK, man. If it can happen to Peyton Manning it can happen to anybody,” Charles continued about choosing Denver.
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In the first time in a awhile, the Broncos see true competition at the running back position. If healthy, Charles adds tremendous “juice” to an offense desperate for continuity at the position. Mike McCoy’s playbook is a perfect fit for Charles skill-set in both the passing game and running game. Charles is an explosive up the middle and shifty runner out of the backfield.
Charles himself sees the playbook of McCoy’s as easy.
“The playbook is going to be easy,” Charles stated about learning the playbook. “I’ve been in five different systems. I like it, too. Mike McCoy, he’s got a great playbook.”
The bid as Comeback Player of the Year for Charles hinges on staying healthy for a full season. His health is the only thing making Broncos fans hold their breath. However, the training staff for the organization is one of the best in the business. There may not be a better candidate in the NFL for Comeback Player of the Year than Jamaal Charles.
In my opinion, Charles is about to have a huge year for the Broncos. A huge year equates to a better offense, offensive line and winning the Comeback Player of the Year.