KC Chiefs: Clyde Edwards-Helaire is set up for a breakout season
By Jake Johnson
K.C. Chiefs‘ first-round pick and starting running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire is poised to explode onto the scene during his sophomore campaign. Though of course most, if not all, Chiefs’ fans would agree, there are a litany of reasons why “Clyde The Glide” is set to make the most of his opportunities this year.
For one, the Chiefs new and improved offensive line should make life easier for this young talent. The Chiefs were nothing short of abysmal last year in terms of successfully executing on short yardage rushing situations. However, this had far more to do with the bruised and battered offensive line than it did with Clyde’s rushing ability. Furthermore, the disappointing end to last season has lit a scalding fire within the ranks of the Chiefs’ roster entering the new season. #TakeItBack has been a common sight among fans this offseason, and the boys in red seem primed and ready to do just that.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire should enjoy a breakout statistical season under Andy Reid.
This is all fine and good, but what statistical trends can be looked at to support the claim that Edwards-Helaire is assured to ball out over the 2021 NFL season? Andy Reid already has a reputation across the league for being a “quarterback whisperer”, a title obtained by developing young QBs such as Donovan McNabb, Brett Favre, Michael Vick and Patrick Mahomes. Ever heard of these guys?
Perhaps due to Reid’s notorious ability to mold quarterbacks, many seem to forget that this offensive genius has done the same thing for running backs. A common thread throughout Reid’s coaching career is that he has developed several talented RBs whose statistics and production typically erupt during their sophomore seasons. Clyde Edwards-Helaire is about to find himself in familiar territory.