Charcandrick West
Charcandrick West only started for the Chiefs for the 2015 NFL season. Despite only starting for one year, West was another gold mine in fantasy football. West finished his one season as the starter with 848 total yards and 5 touchdowns. Although he wasn’t posting Charles’ numbers, West was a consistent running back that was used as an RB2 or Flex in fantasy rosters.
West’s 2015 season and whole career are relatively similar to the small Darren Sproles. Sproles is listed at 5’6″, 190 pounds, while West is 5’10”, 200 pounds. Both running backs are smaller backs that are capable of sneaking through defenses and breaking tackles due to their shorter, stronger frame.
In this catching clip, West is facing the San Diego Chargers. The Chargers are playing a Cover 2 Flat. West pushes through the linebackers with a streak up the middle of the field. He drops over the top of the linebackers while they keep their eyes on Smith. Smith realizes the linebackers miss the coverage on West, allowing him to make a catch down the middle of the field.
West turns and continues to run downfield. Chargers’ defenders struggle to bring him down at first, but finally drop him after a few extra yards earned. West fought hard for extra yards even when he ran too.
In this video, West has a power left run. West sweeps it to the sideline and darts down the field. He fights hard and refuses to fall until extra Raider defenders come to support the original tackler.
West was not a top-10 running back that year, but he ended with some great stats that were overlooked. He finished with 10.7 yards per reception, 4.0 yards per rushing attempt, and 4.7 scrimmage yards per touch. West was a decent back that kept the tradition of Kansas City Chiefs running backs dominating the fantasy football world.
Spencer Ware
Andy Reid and the Chiefs had their third running back in four years. Spencer Ware looked like an excellent rebound for Charles. Ware finished the 2016 season with 1,368 total yards and 5 touchdowns. However, a downside for him was his carrying. Ware ended the season with four fumbles to go with his résumé.
He was, however, a dominant receiving back. He averaged 13.5 yards per reception.
Ware was used similar to Charles. This clip is nearly identical to how Charles created mismatches. Ware was faced up against a linebacker and ran a wheel route. With short curls and crossing routes, Ware had a 1-on-1 matchup on the right side of the field. His speed allowed Smith to throw to him in stride for a touchdown.
On the ground, he was a bit different than the rest of the running backs. Ware drove his feet and fought through tacklers for extra yards. Those extra yards not only helped out the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense, but they provided extra points to his fantasy owners as well.
In this clip, Ware runs a counter play. He was stopped at the line of scrimmage, but he clashes with the defenders. He keeps his balance and dives forward for at least 5 extra yards that most running backs would have never earned.
Ware looked like the next Charles after a dominant season in the air and ground. But, the end of the Alex Smith and the Chiefs’ West Coast Offense was coming sooner than later. Ware fought with injuries during his time in Kansas City, and following the 2018 season, the Chiefs decided to let him go.