Why is Clyde Edwards-Helaire getting so many touches for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire has seen a steady decline in popularity among fans throughout his career. He has become a divisive figure within the Chiefs community.

Opinions on Edwards-Helaire are now split into love or hate. The general consensus is that he will never be more than an average running back, and fans would prefer to see someone else in his position.

Many were surprised to see Edwards-Helaire make the 2023 team, as he has been phased out of the offense in recent years. He even skipped a Super Bowl Parade to attend a fashion show in New York.

Edwards-Helaire’s spot on the Chiefs roster seemed uncertain, especially after a lackluster preseason compared to other running backs.

However, he made the Chiefs’ 53-man roster and has played a limited role in the offense during the 2023 NFL season. Unfortunately, he has not impressed in his opportunities, leaving fans questioning why he continues to receive playing time.

While Edwards-Helaire’s involvement in the offense has been minor, his lackluster performances have not gone unnoticed. He has averaged only 3.3 yards per carry and has not made a significant impact in the passing game.

Even with a small sample size, Edwards-Helaire has been a liability for the Kansas City Chiefs. He has struggled to find open running lanes and often fails to gain significant yardage.

Almost every drive involving Edwards-Helaire ends with a punt or a field goal attempt. He consistently puts the team in unfavorable down and distance situations, hindering offensive progress.

One possible explanation for Edwards-Helaire’s continued playing time is the team’s attachment to his first-round pick status. The Chiefs may still hope that he can become a significant contributor on offense, despite evidence to the contrary.

While this explanation is unsatisfying, it may be the reason behind the team’s decision to persist with Edwards-Helaire. Eventually, the Chiefs may need to accept that it’s a lost cause and move on.

Another justification for Edwards-Helaire’s playing time could be the team’s cautious approach with Isiah Pacheco’s recovery from surgery and Jerick McKinnon’s injury history. However, even if that’s the case, there are better alternatives, such as promoting La’Mical Perine from the practice squad, rather than wasting drives on Edwards-Helaire.

Whatever the reason, it’s becoming clear that Edwards-Helaire is not the solution for the Chiefs’ running game. Fans are ready to move on from him, and hopefully, the team will follow suit.