Evaluating the KC Chiefs running backs heading into 2022
By Jacob Milham
Preseason Expectations
After the offensive line overhaul following the 2021 Super Bowl, Edwards-Helaire stood much to gain. Tackle Orlando Brown Jr. came from one of the league’s best rushing offenses, while guard Joe Thuney anchored the interior. General manager Brett Veach drafting rookies Creed Humphery and Trey Smith further improved the line, setting up better blocking between the tackles. Edwards-Helaire had a good rookie year, with 1,100 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns. He was a fantasy darling and the player with expectations of taking the next step in 2021.
McKinnon was an appealing depth piece, coming to Kansas City via free agency in April 2021. The former Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers player came with backup expectations but starting talent. He lost the 2018 and 2019 seasons to knee injuries and saw little action in 2020. The 49ers released McKinnon, leading to the Chiefs signing him to a one-year “prove it” deal.
Fan-favorite Darrel Wiliams was fresh off the 2020 postseason, where he racked up 170 yards from scrimmage. He only logged action in 25% of Kansas City’s offensive snaps but flashed just enough potential. Fans and analysts alike called for Williams to be RB1 over Edwards-Helarie, due to Williams’ inside run prowess. The competition was a perceived storyline entering training camp, although Williams was the clear RB2.
Gore was the newcomer to the group, after entering the NFL in 2019 as an undrafted free agent. He signed a reserve/future contract with Kansas City on Feb. 6, 2021, and joined the active roster on Oct. 12. Fans hardly saw Gore as more than a training camp body, but a strong preseason showing kept him in Kansas City.
The running game was expected to improve, coinciding with the offensive line rebuild. The sky was the limit for the running backs entering the season, coupling with an already-stellar passing attack. No one was expecting a dominant running game or an offense like Baltimore or Tennessee, but improvement was the baseline expectation.