New England Patriots: 5 Kansas City Chiefs to fear in AFC battle

Clyde Edwards-Helaire could be a problem for the New England Patriots defense

The New England Patriots will try to limit Patrick Mahomes II and that dynamic passing attack, so look for Andy Reid to attack the team’s weakness or at least test it.

With the Patriots struggling a bit against the run, Reid and company will try to get their exciting rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire going early in this game.

Coming off a game against the Baltimore Ravens in which he caught the ball for 70 yards on 5 receptions, the Pats’ linebackers will have a big challenge on their hand trying to both contain Mahomes and stop both the running and passing threat of the LSU product.

https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1304463463964528644

It almost seems like an insurmountable task because if Edwards-Helaire does what he did against the Houston Texans in Week 1, rushing for 5.2 yards per carry, Bill Belichick will have to put extra players in the box.  Of course, that could lead to explosive plays in the air.

Then again, that may just be Belichick’s plan.  The Patriots may have a plan to limit possessions by controlling the clock offensively and allowing the Chiefs to run the ball and chew up the clock when their team is on the field.  If they can hold Clyde Edwards-Helaire to at least 3.0 yards a carry, that strategy could work, especially if drives result in field goals instead of touchdowns.

However, if the young rookie runs off explosive plays, it could be a long day in Kansas City for the defense.  He is capable of putting up big numbers as the type of versatile running back the New England Patriots love to feature in their own offensive package.