Jamaal Charles vs Darren McFadden: Which RB Will Have Greater Impact in 2012?

Both the Kansas City Chiefs and the Oakland Raiders lost their starting running back for the season in 2011. The Chiefs lost Charles in Week 2 and the Raiders lost McFadden in Week 7. Neither team would play over .500 the rest of the way.

While the Chargers and the Broncos remain the favorite to win the division, both the Chiefs and the Raiders are confident they can make a run at the playoffs if their playmaking running backs stay healthy.

Which running back will have a greater impact on 2012 depends on a variety of factors like health, role and scheme.

 

Jamaal Charles



Two years of superb production in the two-back system finally earned Charles the feature back role in 2011. It didn't last long. Charles tore his left ACL and missed the majority of the 2011 season.

The Chiefs added Peyton Hillis this offseason and figure to lighten Charles' load in 2012.

Perhaps returning Charles to role he had in 2009 and 2010 isn't a bad idea. Charles racked up over 3,000 total yards while averaging 6.2 yards-per-carry and 9.0 yards-per-catch over that time.

I'm sure the Chiefs would take 1,500 total yards and six touchdowns from Charles in addition to any production they can get from Hillis.

New offensive coordinator Brian Daboll has three years of experience—two in Cleveland and one in Miami. His rushing attack in 2009 ranked eighth with Jerome Harrison and Jamaal Lewis. In 2010, Peyton Hillis was the leading rusher in Cleveland, but the rushing attack ranked 20th overall.

Daboll revived Reggie Bush's career in Miami last season, but his rushing attack was still middle of the pack.

Given Charles' talent and a vastly improved offensive line, particularly on the right side, Daboll's rushing attach is poised for its best season.

A healthy season and Charles averaging over six yards per carry should give the Chiefs offense a figh...

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