KANSAS CITY — Wade Phillips knew better.
He participated in the Jamaal Charles Roast in Port Arthur, Texas, and, before speaking in June, he surveyed the room and considered the future.
He poked a little fun at Chiefs coach Andy Reid, but spared Charles.
“It looks like (Andy Reid) has got his whole team here. Now, I don’t know (the rules about) having extra practices somewhere else. I’m not saying he’s trying to bend the rules or anything,” Phillips joked.
He refused to provide any extra motivation for the star running back. Charles is looking to rebound against Denver after playing a nondescript role in two losses last season, gaining 71 yards on 17 carries.
“Jamaal’s a complete player. He’s from my home area. I tried to be nice (at the roast) cause he’s a heck of a player,” Phillips said. “He’s a dual threat. You can stop him running with it — like last week they stopped him pretty well — but he caught (five) passes. He can do both really well. We have to have two guys watching him all the time.”
Charles injured his ankle against the Broncos in the season’s second game last season, carrying the ball twice for 4 yards. He rushed for 39 yards in the Chiefs’ Nov. 20 home loss to Denver. The Broncos are seeking an NFL record 13th consecutive divisional road victory that would break San Francisco’s mark set in 1990. It could hinge on controlling Charles.
“You know that No. 25, they’re going to find a way to get him touches,” Broncos coach Gary Kubiak said. “The zone-read comes into play, so it’s a very challenging week for the defense.”
Talib corners honor
When a Broncos player intercepts a pass, he receives the football. The team also paints it and writes out the accomplishment if the player desires.
Cornerback Aqib Talib doesn’t bother with all the fuss. He’s not even sure he has collected all of the footballs from his pick-six collection. He can be forgiven. He owns seven since he became a starter in 2009, most in the NFL. His latest 51-yard interception return for a touchdown not only helped the Broncos win their season opener against the Baltimore Ravens, it won him AFC defensive player of the week honors.
Talib earned player of the week honors last season in the Dec. 14 victory over the Chargers after making a season-best eight tackles.
Anunike out, Bolden doubtful
The short week did no favors for hurting Broncos. Defensive lineman Kenny Anunike (right knee) was ruled out on Wednesday and Omar Bolden remains doubtful with a foot injury.
If Bolden can’t go — and it’s leaning that direction — the Broncos will rely on David Bruton and Josh Bush to provide depth at safety. Andre Caldwell filled in for Bolden on kick returns, which likely will continue, and it’s possible Cody Latimer could receive a chance as well.
