Oct. 10--The assignment: Containing Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles
Charles' measurables: 5-foot-11, 199 pounds
Assigned: Bears inside linebackers Shea McClellin and Christian Jones
Notable numbers: Charles averages 5.2 yards per carry, and his 457 yards from scrimmage rank fifth in the NFL. Charles' 20 catches are third most among running backs, behind the Saints' Mark Ingram (22) and Cowboys' Lance Dunbar (21).
Scouting report: John Fox knows all about Charles' versatility and open-field pop. But Fox also has found ways to slow the running back. From 2011-14 with the Broncos, Fox faced Charles six times, and his teams limited him to an average of 61.7 rushing yards per game. "Having more than one guy around him is critical," Fox said this week, "particularly in the run game." Charles' cutback ability is impressive, and he has 11 runs for at least 10 yards this season. On his longest gain -- a 34-yard touchdown against the Broncos in Week 2 -- Charles burst through a hole up the middle, then easily accelerated to the left sideline.
Word from within: "He's a special back. You first notice his speed. But he's also so versatile. So you do make an extra effort to game plan for him. And a big key is knowing where 25 is at every play, before the snap. Is he in the backfield? Is he flexed out? We have to start there, and do a good job communicating." -- Jones
