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How does Le’Veon Bell’s addition to Chiefs affect Clyde Edwards-Helaire?

By Travis Steffen

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 19: Clyde Edwards-Helaire #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs the ball against Darryl Johnson #92 of the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Bills Stadium on October 19, 2020 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 19: Clyde Edwards-Helaire #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs the ball against Darryl Johnson #92 of the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Bills Stadium on October 19, 2020 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) /
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FLORHAM PARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 23: Le’Veon Bell #26 of the New York Jets runs drills at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on August 23, 2020 in Florham Park, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
FLORHAM PARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 23: Le’Veon Bell #26 of the New York Jets runs drills at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on August 23, 2020 in Florham Park, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

How does Le’Veon’s addition change the offense?

If anyone was doubting the abilities of Clyde Edwards-Helaire coming into Week 6, it’s hard to believe your opinion hasn’t changed. Most of the criticism came after a week that the entire team didn’t play well against a divisional opponent. Only getting ten carries against the Raiders in Week 5, the rookie back was consistently met with defenders as he got the ball. The offensive line was the larger issue prior to Week 6, not as much the running backs.

Regardless, the signing of Bell looked to have sparked a fire under Edwards-Helaire. On several of his runs Monday night, it looked like he was running angry and motivated. Every play that he received the ball, he looked to get everything he could and then some.

Bell will likely take over the role that Williams has been playing as more of a third-down back. The Chiefs aren’t about to make their first-round pick a backup role after that production. Instead, Bell will serve as somewhat of a mentor to the rookie in both the running and passing game. Their similar strengths and versatility give Helaire someone to watch.

The signing will allow the Chiefs to rotate the two backs consistently. With two versatile backs that are tough to bring down, keeping them fresh and taking fewer hits over the course of the season will bring additional value. If someone is injured at any point in the season, Kansas City still has a versatile threat in the backfield.

The contract is a one-year deal. After going to a poor offense that limited his abilities, Bell looks to show the league that he’s still a dominant force in the run and passing game. What better place to prove that than under Andy Reid and alongside Patrick Mahomes? It gives him a chance to get back on the market in the 2021 offseason.

As for Edwards-Helaire, the Chiefs have a promising young talent that finally got another chance to shine on Monday night. He will continue to get better, as long as the blocking continues to be even average, and will get more opportunities in the passing game as the season goes along.

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