Kansas City Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub has earned recognition as a standout coach in his field, a reputation supported by the team’s impressive on-field performance, particularly during the ongoing 2023 season. As of Week 11, the Chiefs’ special teams unit holds the sixth position in both adjusted and unadjusted DVOA rankings. Notably, the team showcases the top-performing kicker in the NFL, Harrison Butker, who has maintained a perfect record, successfully converting all 18 field goal attempts and 22 extra points. Additionally, Butker’s kickoff prowess has contributed to an impressive 44 touchbacks out of 46 kickoffs.
Despite these successes, there are lingering concerns, particularly regarding the Chiefs’ return game, which stands out as a glaring weakness. This issue has the potential to become a significant drawback, particularly in critical moments if not addressed promptly. In an Arrowhead Report discussion initiated by Joshua Brisco and Jordan Foote, an assessment of the team’s special teams performance midway through the season takes place.
Brisco highlights Butker as the most significant success, emphasizing his flawless performance and likening his current form to that of a player unburdened by pressure, referencing Butker’s history of clutch postseason moments. Foote, while acknowledging Butker’s success, also points to punter Tommy Townsend as a noteworthy achievement. Townsend, in his fourth year, ranks in the top 10 for net average yards per punt and holds the fifth position in punter EPA above expected. This success bodes well for Townsend’s impending free agency, potentially securing a long-term deal with the Chiefs or another team.
However, the biggest shortcoming lies in the Chiefs’ punt return game, described by Brisco as a disaster in 2022, setting a challenging start for Skyy Moore’s NFL career. Despite attempts to address the issue by starting with Richie James, followed by Montrell Washington and a trade for Mecole Hardman, the Chiefs continue to face instability in the punt return position. Washington emerges as the most reliable of the trio, although Hardman’s 50-yard return stands out as the team’s longest this season. Issues such as misjudged balls and questionable return decisions contribute to a stressful situation when opponents return the ball to the Chiefs’ offense, a scenario deemed undesirable.
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