Stats show Clyde Edwards-Helaire is perfect complement to Patrick Mahomes

Clyde Edwards-Helaire fits in perfectly with Kansas City’s offense.

The Houston Texans weren’t necessarily dissected through the air by Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid, and the Kansas City Chiefs in their opening night loss, but they were plowed over by the expert running of Clyde Edwards-Helaire, as the rookie looked like a 10-year veteran given how difficult he was to tackle. Whenever Houston backed off in fear of a Mahomes bomb, the Chiefs let Edwards-Helaire chew up yards to the tune of 138 yards on 25 carries.

The Chiefs felt more than comfortable running with Edwards-Helaire when Houston put six or fewer defenders in the box, as he carried the ball 10 times for 96 yards, including his sensational touchdown run that ended with Texans safety Justin Reid breaking his ankle while trying in vain to tackle him.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire could give the Chiefs more balance on offense

Edwards-Helaire, who became the only running pack selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft after an amazing career at LSU, has the perfect build and style of running for this offense. Even though his pass-catching gifts were neglected last night, his low center of gravity, leg drive, and shiftiness in enclosed spaces are ideal for a team that runs out of shotgun and pistol formations so frequently.

Only four players in the last 30 years put up 130 yards on the ground along with a touchdown in their debut. The other three all managed to either win the rushing title or win Rookie of the Year. For the first time since Kareem Hunt was cut, Kansas City’s offense might have some legit balance to it.

Defenses will always have to respect Mahomes’ arm talent and Reid’s ability to stretch the field vertically with an array of fast receivers, so Edwards-Helaire might be able to run free all season long.