Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s greatness and other Chiefs lessons from Week 1

The next great Chiefs running back has arrived

My dad, a man who seldom watches football, summed up the impact Clyde Edwards-Helaire makes on the K.C. offense. “Man,” he goes, “with this running back, the offense is like a hot knife through butter.”

He’s right. Edwards-Helaire’s elusiveness, agility, and all-around skill set takes so much pressure off of Mahomes, which accelerates the overall efficiency of the offense. Edwards-Helaire impressed both as a dynamic, explosive player, but also as a guy comfortable with a work-horse level of production—a back capable of inside runs as well as counters and outside pitches.

I was not a fan of the decision to take Edwards-Helaire in the first round, but there’s simply no denying that his presence enhances the offense and relieves Mahomes from making all the plays.