Four Chiefs who need to step up in Week 2

Clyde Edwards-Helaire

Clyde Edwards-Helaire entered 2021 expected to emerge among the best playmaking backs in the league. With plenty of opposing defenses’ attention focused elsewhere, and a huge effort to improve the Chiefs’ offensive line, the table is set for Edwards-Helaire to burst out this season. However, that did not materialize in Week 1.

Edwards-Helaire now has the benefit of playing behind an offensive line that is much more run-oriented, and yet he failed to capitalize against the Browns. The second-year back missed several opportunities between the tackles against the Browns. A second consecutive disappointment in the ground game would raise a serious red flag for the Chiefs offense.

Edwards-Helaire contributed some in the passing game last week, hauling in three catches on three targets for 29 yards. He showed good shiftiness in the open field and should continue to grow in this aspect of the Chiefs offense. But more than that, the Chiefs need to see Clyde move the chains between the tackles. The offensive line is built to run, and the more success this team has with Edwards-Helaire, the more dangerous the passing offense becomes. It was the missing element during the Chiefs’ Super Bowl run last year, and now that the parts are in place, it’s Edwards-Helaire’s time to shine.