Chiefs' Clyde Edwards-Helaire has his best game of the season
Kansas City Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire made his second consecutive start in place of injured starter Isiah Pacheco against the New England Patriots on Sunday. Between his lack of consistent production and his oft-injured tenure, it's safe to say that Edwards-Helaire has been a bust for the Chiefs. When you consider he was a first-round […]
Kansas City Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire made his second consecutive start in place of injured starter Isiah Pacheco against the New England Patriots on Sunday.
Between his lack of consistent production and his oft-injured tenure, it's safe to say that Edwards-Helaire has been a bust for the Chiefs. When you consider he was a first-round pick, his play has been especially concerning. Pacheco replaced Edwards-Helaire as the starter midway through the season in 2022.
While he's probably not someone you want as your starter for the long haul of a season, Edwards-Helaire has shown that he can fill in admirably for short periods. He proved that on Sunday as he had his best game of the season, recording 101 scrimmage yards and a touchdown. Not only that, but he racked up most of his yardage on big plays during times when the offense badly needed a shot of energy.
When asked if Edwards-Helaire has gotten down on himself, here's what coach Andy Reid said after the game: "No, not at all. He's been an energy giver, which you need. He just goes out, if you give him two snaps, he'll take the two, and make it the best he can. If you give him, you know, 30, 40 snaps, he's going to do great there, too."
Reid was also asked if Edwards-Helaire is being utilized more in the passing game, which is what most envisioned when he was drafted: "Well, he's a good route runner. He's got good hands, so he had opportunities today and did a nice job with it."
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes also chimed in on what Edwards-Helaire means to the Chiefs' locker room: "I mean, when you get a lot of people piling on you and you're not having the success you want, you could be down, but like I said, he has a smile on his face, he comes to work every single day and I think that's special of him. That's why we want him to succeed as much as everybody else and himself. It's because he has that workman, that ethic of just coming in and putting in whatever he can to help the team and today was a great day for him."
Tight end Travis Kelce also had plenty of praise for Edwards-Helaire: "Man, I love that dude. He's been playing his tail off, waiting for his opportunities and when he gets his opportunities, he's making the most of them. He's the unsung hero for today, that's for damn sure."
On Sunday Edwards-Helaire recorded a 20-yard run, a 48-yard reception off a screen pass, and an eye-popping leaping touchdown catch. His play-making ability in the passing game specifically is a welcome addition given the overall state of the Chiefs' wide receiver corps.
With defenses keying in on Kelce and wide receiver Rashee Rice, Edwards-Helaire could be a safety net option out of the backfield to help open up Kansas City's offense.
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