Clyde Edwards-Helaire spoke to reporters about what it’s like to rebound from a rare loss.
For the Kansas City Chiefs, losing a football game is already a rare occurrence. For Clyde Edwards-Helaire, the feeling was even even stranger.
When the Chiefs surprisingly lost a home game to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 5, it was the first time the franchise had suffered defeat since Week 10 of the previous season. It was a 13-game stretch that served as the longest active streak, by far, in the NFL—one that, of course, included the Chiefs historic Super Bowl run through the postseason.
For Edwards-Helaire, however, it was the first time his particular team had lost since November 24, 2018—when the Louisiana State University Tigers lost an absolutely insane seven-OT game (yes, SEVEN overtime sessions) to Texas A&M. That’s nearly two years—and 20 consecutive games—without a loss. Given the level of competition for both LSU and K.C., that’s an incredible run.
Despite the relative inexperience with losing, at least in his most recent playing days, Edwards-Helaire spoke with reporters this week about the Chiefs’ loss to the Raiders in Week 5 and their ability to right the wrongs this week in their first trip to Las Vegas. “I feel like it was a mindset I’ve been having my entire life after a loss: We flush it and bounce back the next week,” said Edwards-Helaire.
"“As soon as we possibly can, we’re back in the playbook trying to see the things that we can improve. But this league is about wins and losses. Once we took that L, take it to the chin, keep it moving, and move on to the next thing ahead of us.”"
Edwards-Helaire, who had 80 yards from scrimmage in the first matchup of the two teams, sounds like a veteran when talking about the right things to do. It’s clear that the team’s rookie running back has picked up on a business-like locker room that keeps players and coaches focused on the ultimate goal. Edwards-Helaire says he’s cognizant that the rivalry means something, but ultimately the Chiefs are trying to win no matter who they are facing.
"“The intensity is gonna be there, not just through us but through the NFL world. Ultimately we are coming in to compete, to correct the things we need to correct, and to come out and compete and try to win the game.”"
As for other teams who aren’t as good as maintaining a business-like demeanor—say, in the name of taking a midseason victory lap—Edwards-Helaire says he’s never taken part in such a thing. “Usually we go into the opponents’ arena, handle our business, and then we leave. It’s strictly business.”
The Chiefs will try to handle their business once more on Sunday against the Raiders in primetime.