Three KC Chiefs players with the most to prove in NFL playoffs

Clyde Edwards-Helaire

All year long no matter what site, media member, or podcast you’ve chosen to absorb, there has been a conversation about who is the best running back on the Chiefs. Whether you think it is Clyde Edwards-Helaire or someone else, the Chiefs seem intent on using CEH as RB1 when he is healthy and in the lineup.

As long as he’s healthy, Edwards-Helaire is going to get those carries even though we prefer Andy Reid play the hot hand or split up the carries a little more evenly. Because he’s a first-round pick he has those privileges and he’ll likely be the go-to by default with a decent mix of Darrel Williams.

Now, Edwards-Helaire may actually be the best runner of all the running back on the roster. That’s up to you to decide, but there’s no denying that despite that potential fact, he hasn’t really shown that yet or done a ton to separate himself from the rest of the pack. Some of that you can blame on injury, but durability between all the backs should also be evaluated.

Regardless, the Chiefs are going to have to run the ball successfully in the postseason, especially when it gets colder, and they are going to need Edwards-Helaire to be part of that. However, if you’re CEH, you haven’t really done anything of note in your career and you were a first-round pick. You should be taking over more games than you have in your NFL career.

Edwards-Helaire came from LSU where he played in some big games including a national championship and put on a show against Alabama. When are Chiefs’ fans going to get that player who can break off some long runs in a big game? His career-long run is 31 yards and his longest run of the 2021 season was a whopping 17 yards.

Is it really unfair to ask Edwards-Helaire to be somewhat of a factor in the playoffs? I don’t think so. I have been one of CEH’s biggest critics but he has an opportunity to shut me and anyone else up in year two running behind one of the best offensive lines in the league with light boxes everywhere in the playoffs. Let’s see it, Clyde.