Sophomore Surge: Clyde Edwards-Helaire ready to take big step forward for KC Chiefs
By Kole Berrey
![LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 22: Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates a 3-yard touchdown run against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first half of their game at Allegiant Stadium on November 22, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images) LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 22: Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates a 3-yard touchdown run against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first half of their game at Allegiant Stadium on November 22, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/65f6170dfc50c579f6430ec73c15d4e057252c9a86da46098cccef7c1c2c69be.jpg)
Familiarity with the Chiefs Offense
This is something that can’t really be quantified with numbers or facts. We can’t point to specifics when it comes to talking about how this could help Edwards-Helaire in his second season, but it is a logical step in the process to becoming a great NFL player.
Andy Reid’s offense is notoriously difficult to learn, but it is equally notorious for being friendly for running back production. Players like Brian Westbrook, LeSean McCoy, Jamaal Charles, Kareem Hunt, and others have shined for the Big Red. I do not expect CEH to be any different. Whenever the Chiefs have had to utilize less than desirable weapons at the RB position in the past, every single running back has stepped up.
Charcandrick West, Spencer Ware, Damien Williams, and Darrel Williams have all been productive in Andy Reid’s offense when the normal star of the show has been out of commission. Not to take anything away from any of those players, but Edwards-Helaire has more from a pure talent standpoint and he offers much higher upside. If those players could thrive, why not Clyde?
Being able to have an entire season, gain playoff experience, and the chance to learn from Andy Reid and the rest of the staff can help Edwards-Helaire take that next step. CEH is not only going to be more familiar with the x’s and o’s of the playbook, but with the entire process of how the offense and the team functions, which holds tremendous promise for his future.
That is why going forward, I know that CEH is going to be a good player for the Chiefs. The talent around him, the talent he himself possesses, and the talent of his head coach are too great to not equal success. Now it is up to him whether or not he is just good, or becomes great for the Kansas City Chiefs.
I fully expect for Edwards-Helaire to be a difference maker moving forward. He has everything he needs to come together as a quality NFL player. This season will be a breakout for the young player, and adding him as another element to an already historically dangerous offense will be just what the doctor ordered to wash the bad taste out of the mouth of those who didn’t like the pick.