Chiefs vs. Texans: Rookie standouts from opening night
By Kyle Edmond
Kansas City Chiefs Running Back, Clyde Edwards-Helaire
Drafted at the tail end of the first round, Clyde Edwards-Helaire was an intriguing pick from the start that just continued to gain hype as the off-season progressed.
The Chiefs have had great running backs for nearly two decades, beginning with Priest Holmes in 2001 and seamlessly transitioning to Larry Johnson in 2005, then Jamaal Charles in 2009 and again to Kareem Hunt in 2017.
After a committee approach in 2019, it looked like the Chiefs were ready to hand the running back keys over to Edwards-Helaire and he hit the ground running right off the bat.
The highlight of Edwards-Helaire’s game came in the front end of the third quarter with his first career touchdown. He was able to bob and weave through the defense for a 27-yard touchdown run that also put him over 100 yards rushing for the night and was the first of what will be many, many touchdowns for the rookie back.
Over the course of the game, Edwards-Helaire gave a flash of what is to come. He was able to total 138 rushing yards, with his one touchdown, on 25 carries to average an impressive 5.5 yards per carry. He also drew two targets in the passing game but wasn’t able to haul either in.