Clyde Edwards-Helaire
For some Chiefs fans, this is not going to be seen as good news but they’re being short-sighted.
The Chiefs running attack has been solid in the absence of the team’s lead back, ever since Clyde Edwards-Helaire first went down with an MCL sprain against the Buffalo Bills back in Week 5. That was when the offensive line was still coming together, the offense wasn’t clicking on all cylinders, and even Edwards-Helaire himself was a big part of the turnover problem—with one glaring mistake in the closing seconds of a game against the Baltimore Ravens that likely cost them a chance at a game-winning field goal.
In the weeks since Edwards-Helaire’s injury, Darrel Williams has looked better than expected as a pass catcher and he was already a known quantity as a tough north-south runner. Together with Jerick McKinnon and Derrick Gore, the unit has held together well and the team has been winning. Given the unfair burden placed on Edwards-Helaire as a former first-round pick, it’s created a cloud around what he brings.
That said, head coach Andy Reid spoke to reporters on Monday and stated that CEH has a “better shot this week” at returning now that he’s been back at practice for a week. The Chiefs face the Dallas Cowboys in Week 11 and the potential addition of Edwards-Helaire will provide a much-needed boost of athleticism to the unit, even if some fans have forgotten.
Reid on #Chiefs running backs: "We're lucky we have a couple different flavors we can throw at you."
— Aaron Ladd (@aaronladdtv) November 15, 2021
While Williams has performed well, it should not be forgotten that any plays which call for an outside run have typically brought about little-to-no gain at all, even when the team made the right call on paper. It’s just that Williams lacks the agility or top-end speed to make it a positive gain. With how well some linemen have been pulling and the improvement outside by Orlando Brown Jr over this half-season, Edwards-Helaire is going to love gaining yards both inside and out.
The return of CEH will not only raise the offensive ceiling in the backfield but will also bring about greater security at the position. The Chiefs have a talented backfield and fans will love how they all look—Clyde included—once he’s back.