Chiefs rookie review: L’Jarius Sneed stands out in Week 2

Mildly disappointing

Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire began the Chargers game where he left off against the Texans in Week 1, with a 17-yard gain on the Chiefs’ first play from scrimmage. After that, the rookie did not achieve much on the ground, finishing with 10 carries for 38 yards.

We did get to see Edwards-Helaire’s impact in the passing game, as he hauled in six passes for 32 yards on eight targets. He also had a beautiful catch on a 25-yard wheel route with under 2 minutes to play in regulation, but the play was negated by an Andrew Wylie holding penalty.

All in all, the Chiefs’ prized rookie runner chipped in 70 quiet yards on 16 touches against a rabid defense. It was a bit of a let-down after the LSU product exploded onto the scene at Arrowhead, but we expect the Chiefs to rely heavily on Edwards-Helaire again against the Ravens on Monday night.

The peculiar saga of second-round linebacker Willie Gay continued in Week 2. Despite his superior athletic profile, Gay continues to be at the bottom of the depth chart, behind underwhelming starter Ben Niemann. One has to wonder how things might have looked differently for Gay if the team had four preseason games in which to immerse him into the lineup. Yet if that were the only issue, why no sense of urgency to at least get his feet wet in the fourth quarter of Week 1 when the Chiefs led 31-7?

At different points in the first half of the Chargers game, the Chiefs were without starters Anthony Hitchens and Damien Wilson (each of whom would later return to action), opening the door for Gay to take the field. Gay did very little in his six snaps in the second quarter, but at least he’s got a little bit of mojo going into the Ravens game. He can’t possibly be much worse than what the Chiefs are getting from their current linebacker group. There is minimal athleticism and playmaking happening there, and the team needs Gay to get a handle on whatever it is he’s missing in order to get on the field—and fast.

Seventh round corner Bopete Keyes was active for the first time in his young career after Ward broke his hand against the Texans. With just four active cornerbacks, and slot corner Antonio Hamilton leaving the game early with a groin injury, one would think that Keyes could have gotten a chance in the field, but clearly the Chiefs’ staff is not ready to put Keyes into that type of situation yet. He did get in on six special teams plays. Keyes has excellent size and athleticism; He’ll get his chance soon enough.