Four positive takeaways from the Kansas City Chiefs win over the New England Patriots

Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Jerick McKinnon Look Ready To Contribute Down The Stretch

It may seem strange to highlight the running backs as a positive when they combined for 17 carries for 48 yards on the ground. There is no doubt that K.C. misses Isiah Pacheco in the running game, but both Jerick McKinnon and Clyde Edwards-Helaire made plays in the passing game on Sunday that were a major boost to the offense.

Jerick McKinnon was even credited with a touchdown pass on the day when his shovel pass to Rashee Rice caught the Patriots defense off guard. McKinnon then added a touchdown reception of his own later in the game. While McKinnon doesn't have the same explosiveness that he once did, he's still strong in pass protection and a sure-handed receiver. That will come in handy during the playoffs even after KC gets Pacheco back from his injury.

The real story of the day was the play of Clyde Edwards-Helaire. It's no secret that CEH's tenure in KC has been a disappointment thus far. He simply never turned into the feature back that KC was envisioning when they took him in the first round, but on Sunday he made a couple of huge plays in the passing game. He had a 48-yard-long screen pass that he broke and then made a fantastic high-point touchdown grab to help put the game out of reach.

While KC may need Pacheco back to get the ground game going, having two veteran options on the bench that Patrick Mahomes can rely on in passing situations is a huge plus and this win over the Patriots highlighted both of these backs' prowess in the passing game.

The offense wasn't the only side of the ball that flashed some things that should have Chiefs fans excited. Let's talk some defense now.