Chiefs’ Clyde Edwards-Helaire working to improve as a pass-catcher in 2021
The rookie campaign for Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire wasn’t all that it was expected to be.
Whether it was the rookie wall or a late-season injury, Edwards-Helaire didn’t live up to the hype following a championship season at LSU. He did prove to be one of the best offensive rookies in the league, but he also showed he had some growing to do.
Edwards-Helaire will have more eyes on him heading into 2021 and he’s already working on ways to improve his game. He won’t have to worry much about fighting for a starting job and instead can focus on improving his already vast skillset. On Wednesday, he spoke with reporters to address his plans to become a better receiver under the tutelage of new running backs coach Greg Lewis.
“He brings in that receiving coaching aspect as far as the routes that we are implementing and putting in,” said Edwards-Helaire. “So, just those little things that you don’t get taught from a running backs coach, but you get it from a receivers coach. Then also, it’s not like he hasn’t been in the league eight years and seen some good backs and then also coached some great receivers, so he’s kind of seen it all.”
Having both Lewis and Eric Bieniemy to rely on is allowing Edwards-Helaire and the other running backs to get the best of both worlds. They’re cross-training the running backs to contribute in both the running game and the passing game.
“Talking to Coach Reid and also Pat (Mahomes), there are things we’re implementing to get the ball to the back and just get the ball spread out more,” said Edwards-Helaire. “So, that was one of the things on why I chose to work on my hands and just be more of a threat.”
Edwards-Helaire recorded 36 receptions last season for 297 yards on 54 targets, catching just 66.7% of passes thrown his way. He hopes to improve his pace this season as he expects to be the featured back prominent in one of the league’s most prominent offenses.
“It was seen that I can run the ball between the tackles, outside,” Edwards-Helaire explained. “That was kind of seen, so just being able to also get out, and not just routes out of the backfield but also spread out in the slot position and also the outside wideout position. So, just being able to expand my skill set was my thing.”
