KC Chiefs likely to go back to Andy Reid’s vintage offensive looks

3. Jerick McKinnon and Clyde Edwards-Helaire

There was a time when the Chiefs were happy to use two running backs in an offense. While they have been more of a running back by committee in recent years, there was a time when the Chiefs liked to use two main guys with some quickness. Rather than a thunder and lightning approach, Reid likes pass catchers who can see the field.

In 2013, Reid started coaching the Kansas City Chiefs. That season he had two burners at running back. While Knile Davis never lived up to his potential, his speed was undeniable. Paired with Davis was Jamaal Charles who may go down as the best running back in Chiefs history. There was a lot to like between the two of them, particularly in the passing game.

While no one should (at this point) draw a comparison between Edwards-Helaire and Jamaal Charles or Knile Davis and Jerrick McKinnon, their skill sets and value to an offense are similar. In a historical game, Charles, during the 2013 season, reeled off 5 touchdowns against the Oakland Raiders, who had no answer for him, particularly in the passing game in which Charles scored four touchdowns and racked up 195 yards receiving.

Edwards-Helaire was touted by many draft experts as the best receiving back to come out of the draft last year. This was undoubtedly intriguing to Reid while he began drawing up new ideas for the playbook. Until he decided to opt-out, the plan was also for Edwards-Helaire to pair up with Damien Williams in a speedy combo of guys that can catch the ball out of the backfield. It never came to fruition and now the Chiefs are taking a different course with McKinnon.

Bottom Line:

Andy Reid has put a lot on Patrick Mahomes, which has worked. As aforementioned, there has been some dysfunction even with the offense being so electric. Now, it is Reid’s  turn to patch some of the holes in the offense by re-installing some of the successful elements of the past. Expect the Chiefs to figure out some of the rockiness of the offense.

Through newly added personnel and a brilliant combination of coach and quarterback, there is an adequate amount of time in an offseason to make the offense top-notch again. Expect the Chiefs to add some of the wrinkles from the past—and to look even better doing so.