Kansas City Chiefs: Four bold predictions for the 2020 season
Here are four bold predictions for the Chiefs 2020 season.
The Kansas City Chiefs, led by Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes, are coming off their most successful season in five decades. The reigning Super Bowl LIV Champions return 18 of 22 starters and look poised to repeat in Super Bowl LV.
With expectations as high as ever, I thought we could consider some rather bold predictions heading into the 2020 season. Assuming the season is played as normal, here are four predictions that while bold are very achievable for the Chiefs in the upcoming season.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire will be Offensive Rookie of the Year
I think it’s safe to say that there hasn’t been another offensive rookie for the Kansas City Chiefs with this much hype in the last decade other than Patrick Mahomes himself. The fact the defending Super Bowl Champions took a running back in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft was initially surprising, but local and national media alike have latched onto the potential of Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
Do not be fooled. Edwards-Helaire is not your prototypical NFL running back. At 5’7″ and 207 pounds, you’d likely assume Edwards-Helaire must be an absolute blazer to command pick number 32 in the NFL Draft. While he isn’t slow by any means, his 4.60 40-yard dash time at the 2020 NFL Combine usually leaves something to be desired.
While Edwards-Helaire does not possess ideal long speed, his ability to see holes before they open up reminds me a lot of LeSean McCoy in his prime. Add to that his knack for breaking ankles in the open-field and you have the makings of a stud three-down running back in today’s NFL.
That last factor, his ability in the open field, is what is most intriguing for me in watching this season’s Chiefs offense. I’m of the mindset that the offense wasn’t clicking last season until late, mainly because of the lack of productivity from the running back position. Late in the season, you saw Damien Williams hit his stride, especially as a receiver, and the offense exploded.
No disrespect to Williams, as he was integral in the Super Bowl run, but from a pure talent perspective, Edwards-Helaire might have him beat. If he can stay healthy and be reliable in pass protection, look for him to become a favorite target for Patrick Mahomes and maybe even push for Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
If you think winning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors is preposterous, consider a couple things. In the last decade, four running backs have taken home this award in Eddie Lacy, Todd Gurley, Alvin Kamara, and Saquon Barkley. In those four seasons these players averaged 14 touches for 105 yards and 12 touchdowns, with roughly a 70/30 split in terms of rushing and receiving production.
Do we have an example of a first-year running back in Andy Reid’s system to compare these numbers to? Turns out we do, in none other than Kareem Hunt. His rookie season in 2017 he surpassed all these numbers except touchdowns, with 20 touches a game for 111 yards and 11 touchdowns. One could argue he was the true OPOY that season and not Kamara, but I digress.
He’ll have some tough competition this season with a number of marquee offensive prospects in this year’s rookie class. Yet if the hype this offseason is any indication, a big year from Edwards-Helaire shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone.