Kansas City Chiefs: Studs and duds from Week 1 vs. Texans

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 10: Head coach Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs talks with Patrick Mahomes #15during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium on September 10, 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 10: Head coach Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs talks with Patrick Mahomes #15during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium on September 10, 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
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Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Kansas City Chiefs (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Kansas City Chiefs (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Stud: RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire

He was the last pick in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire went from winning a national championship with the LSU Tigers to joining the NFL’s current title-holder.

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The 5-7, 207-pound prospect got off to a great start in the 34-20 Thursday night victory over the visiting Texans (via Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus, subscription required) and proved very early he would be a tough player to get to the ground. Edwards-Helaire made life tough for Bill O’Brien’s defense and would roll up 138 rushing yards on 25 carries. That included a 27-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter to give his team a resounding 24-7 advantage.

Stud: QB Patrick Mahomes

He “only” threw for 211 yards in the team’s 14-point win over the Texans. But quarterback Patrick Mahomes connected on 75 percent of his throws (24-of-32) vs. Houston and connected on scores with tight end Travis Kelce (6 yards), Sammy Watkins (2 yards) and Tyreek Hill (3 yards). It’s somewhat interesting to note than the Chiefs’ longest pass play on the evening was a mere 19 yards and that was by Kelce.

Mahomes very patiently picked apart the Texans’ defense, which was highly aggressive early in the game but when it was all said and done, managed to sack the reigning Super Bowl MVP just once. It was a strong showing by a young player who continues to impress.