CHARC WEEK: West Is Exactly
What Chiefs Need Right Now
by Ransom Hawthorne | December 4, 2018
Since the end of last year, the Kansas City Chiefs had been snapping up running backs left and right. In hindsight, maybe they had some inkling that issues with Hunt could be on the horizon, who knows. At any rate, when they did lose Hunt, they had three capable backs, who could step in and produce. Even so, the offense looked lethargic on Sunday, having to be carried, early, by the defense. Luckily, when the defense quit pretending to be remotely adequate (thanks Sutton!), Mahomes was able to drag the team across the finish line. In the end, what was lacking, on Sunday, was not talent, but heart. Bringing back Charcandrick West won’t garner the attention that other moves have, but it’s a low-key brilliant signing by GM Brett Veach. In the end, perhaps the most important he’s made all year.
In The Past: West first made his debut, with the Chiefs, after the loss of another great RB, the one, the only, Jamaal Charles. With his easy smile, humble ways, and hard work, West won the hearts of many in Kansas City. His teammates noticed too. Terez Paylor talked to Dee Ford, about West, for the Kansas City Star. Here’s what he had to say:
“That’s one of his special features; that’s him,” Ford said later. “He’s got a big heart. One day he told me, ‘I wish everybody could be happy and get along.’ I told him, ‘Well, everybody you come in contact with, just bring their day up,’ and he has. He’s a special kid.”
Having endured a fair amount of hardship, in his life, through illness and loss, hasn’t diminished West’s ability to light up a room. If you can find a photo of West, not smiling, it’s probably because he has a mouth guard in. Who knows, he’s probably smiling behind the guard too.
In The Present: While CJ Anderson might have brought a little more intrigue, West brings what Chiefs need most: a morale boost. As much as Chiefs players may want to forget about the loss of Hunt, they’re only human. A close friend, a dangerous weapon and a vocal guy on the sideline, Hunt’s absence was clearly felt. Don’t be surprised when Chiefs veterans come out, next week, with a smile on their faces and a jump in their step. Everyone loves West. A good friend, a relentlessly positive person, and a great leader, he’s exactly what Chiefs need, right now.
In The Future: Though West may not see many rushing attempts, he’s an excellent pass protector. Toub will be excited to have him back, as West, previously, served as Chiefs personal protector, for Colquitt. Twice this year the Chiefs have been the beneficiaries of roughing the kicker calls. While it benefited them, in the moment, I’m pretty sure they’d usually rather keep Dustin’s jersey clean. West is adept at that, and can serve in a number of other roles, on STs. You probably won’t find much evidence of him in the box score, but if you notice the Chiefs STs elevating their game, you’ll know why.
The Chiefs could have used that roster spot on any number of guys, who would have had negligible impact. Instead, they chose to shine a bring ray of sunshine through a dreary locker room. Not a moment too soon, either. With a home game against Baltimore, on the horizon, Chiefs will need to regain some of their former swagger. While the Ravens might not be the best team in the NFL, they field, probably, the best defense in the NFL, and match up really well vs the Chiefs on offense. They feature a potent running game, and a mobile QB, both of which have tended to give the Chiefs fits. KC can’t win dragging and moping their way through this game. They need a little enthusiasm and, West, has a lot. Great move Veach. Go Chiefs.