The Kansas City Chiefs are among the teams that are adapting to new kickoff rules. One intriguing possibility is utilizing non-kicker safety Justin Reid as a kickoff specialist, which could help reduce the risk of their primary kicker Harrison Butker getting injured while making tackles frequently.
Dave Toub, the team’s special-teams coordinator, has expressed concern about the kicking situations and how they could potentially leave Butker vulnerable. However, Toub has also revealed that the team is working diligently on improving their kickoff and kickoff return strategies. While Butker will still have his role, especially in situations where the Chiefs prefer to kick the ball out of the end zone to concede the 30-yard line start, they are exploring other options such as using Louis Rees-Zammit, a former rugby player, as a specialist to enhance their game.
Toub emphasized that mastering the kickoff and kickoff return game is crucial for a team’s performance early in the season. He noted that small improvements in kickoff returns could be pivotal in determining game outcomes and securing a spot in the playoffs. The Chiefs aim to excel in these areas through trial and error while adjusting to new rules and honing their strategies.
In conclusion, despite facing challenges with new rules and navigating different kicking situations, the Kansas City Chiefs are determined to improve their performance through diligent work and exploration of new options such as utilizing non-kicker safety Justin Reid as a specialist for kickoffs.
