KC Chiefs: Clyde Edwards-Helaire was more involved in passing game
The one knock on Clyde Edwards-Helaire after his explosive KC Chiefs debut was that he didn’t do anything in the passing game. He was more involved in week 2.
Despite week 2 being a win for the Kansas City Chiefs, there was a lot to nitpick about, but a good sign was that rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire was used more in the passing game than he was in his debut.
Edwards-Helaire didn’t have a great day running the ball, carrying the rock just 10 times for 38 yards with 17 of those yards coming on 1 run. The Chiefs even went with second year running back Darwin Thompson on the crucial 4th and short in overtime and the broadcasters noted that maybe it was because Edwards-Helaire had a tough time pounding through the Chargers defensive line.
Even if Edwards-Helaire didn’t have quite the follow-up that Chiefs fans were hoping for, it was nice to see him utilized in the passing game.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire had 6 receptions for 32 yards and was second in receptions, sitting only behind Travis Kelce.
While the numbers aren’t the most eye popping, going from 0 receptions to 6 receptions was good to see for the rookie. Part of the why the Chiefs felt so comfortable using their first round pick on Edwards-Helaire was because of how deadly he was as both a runner and a receiver. Andy Reid LOVES those kind of running backs, so this was a match made in heaven.
The Chargers have an incredibly tough defense and they likely made it a point to lock in on Edwards-Helaire and not allow him to have a big day like he did against the Texans. In total, the LSU rookie totaled 70 yards against the Bolts and will look to bounce back against the Ravens next week.
The Chiefs offense is at its best when they have a running back who can be a dominant threat in both aspects and that’s why they brought in Clyde Edwards-Helaire. He had an incredible rookie debut on the ground, but didn’t do anything through the air. In week 2, he was average in both areas. Hopefully that means in week 3, he’ll explode onto the scene as a pass catcher.
It’s only a matter of time before Reid and the Chiefs fully figure out how to use Edwards-Helaire and when they do, best of luck to the rest of NFL defenses. They’re going to be incredibly difficult to stop.