The Rise of Clyde Edwards-Helaire
Clyde Edwards-Helaire burst onto the scene in 2019 as the starting running back for the LSU Tigers. Despite not being the biggest or fastest player on the field, he quickly proved himself to be a dynamic and elusive runner with a knack for finding the end zone. Over the course of the season, he rushed for 1,414 yards and 16 touchdowns, and also caught 55 passes for 453 yards and a touchdown.
Edwards-Helaire’s success at LSU caught the attention of NFL scouts, and he was selected in the first round of the 2020 draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. In his rookie season, he continued to impress, rushing for 803 yards and four touchdowns in just 13 games. He also caught 36 passes for 297 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his versatility as a receiver out of the backfield.
The Talent of Amari Cooper
Amari Cooper has been a standout wide receiver in the NFL since he was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 2015. In his rookie season, he caught 72 passes for 1,070 yards and six touchdowns, earning him a Pro Bowl selection. Over the course of his career, he has continued to put up impressive numbers, including three seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards and a total of 38 touchdowns.
In 2019, Cooper was traded to the Dallas Cowboys, where he continued to thrive as the team’s top receiver. He caught 79 passes for 1,189 yards and eight touchdowns, earning his fourth Pro Bowl selection and helping the Cowboys make a run at the playoffs.
The Case for Clyde Edwards-Helaire
When it comes to comparing Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Amari Cooper, there are several factors to consider. One of the biggest is role on the team. As a running back, Edwards-Helaire is responsible for both running the ball and catching passes out of the backfield. This dual threat ability makes him a valuable asset for the Kansas City Chiefs, who rely heavily on their passing game to move the ball down the field.
Another factor to consider is Edwards-Helaire’s explosiveness. Despite not having blazing speed, he is able to make defenders miss with his quickness and agility, often turning short gains into big plays. This was evident in his rookie season, where he averaged 4.4 yards per carry and 8.3 yards per reception.
The Case for Amari Cooper
While Clyde Edwards-Helaire may have the advantage in terms of versatility, Amari Cooper is no slouch when it comes to making plays. As a wide receiver, he is able to stretch the field and create mismatches with his size and speed. He is also a skilled route runner, able to create separation from defenders and make tough catches in traffic.
One area where Cooper has a clear advantage over Edwards-Helaire is experience. As a veteran player with six seasons under his belt, he has a wealth of knowledge and experience that can be invaluable to his team. He is also a proven performer in big games, having caught a game-winning touchdown in overtime of a playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018.
The Verdict
So, who is the better football player: Clyde Edwards-Helaire or Amari Cooper? The truth is, both players bring a lot to the table and excel in different areas of the game. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the needs of the team.
For teams that rely heavily on the passing game, Amari Cooper may be the better choice due to his ability to stretch the field and make big plays. However, for teams that value versatility and the ability to make plays both on the ground and through the air, Clyde Edwards-Helaire is a strong option.
In the end, both players are talented and capable of making a significant impact on their respective teams. It will be interesting to see how their careers continue to unfold in the coming years.