KC Chiefs: Six training camp matchups we can’t wait to watch
By Scott Loring
5. Clyde Edwards-Helaire vs. Nick Bolton
This matchup should get the Chiefs a lot of good reps. The Chiefs took Clyde Edwards-Helaire in the first round of 2020, and we all waited for him to become fully incorporated into the passing game. Then we waited some more.
There is just no way the Chiefs don’t unlock CEH’s receiving skills in 2021—for several reasons. First, the team is looking to replace Sammy Watkins’ production. Next, they have a full offseason and preseason to get ready, something Edwards-Helaire did not have in 2020. Most importantly, Clyde is a really good receiver and the Chiefs only glimpsed at the tip of the iceberg in 2020.
One more point: it should not go unnoticed that Kansas City moved receivers coach Greg Lewis to be the new running backs coach. This will only help Edwards-Helaire to garner more attention in the passing game, where he will almost assuredly have one-on-one looks and get chances to make opposing linebackers look silly.
And that is where we must look to the other side of the football, where this year’s top pick, Missouri linebacker Nick Bolton, is going to be under the microscope in coverage in his rookie season.
Don’t get me wrong; I’m also extremely interested to see the collision of Clyde’s shiftiness between the tackles and Bolton’s surefire tackling. I’m just more intrigued at how creative Andy Reid gets with CEH in the downfield passing game. I’m equally interested in how Bolton adjusts from the SEC to the NFL in pass coverage. I think it’s fair to say that it will be trial by fire for Bolton in St. Joseph, as he learns against the best passing offense in the game.
Finally, let’s examine how the Chiefs two rookie OL will fare in the run game against a stout veteran with something to prove.