The secret to the Kansas City Chiefs success

  I am currently at the point in the NFL off-season where I am analyzing every roster and breaking down each transaction that has went down. It’s almost to the point of insanity because while the season feels close with winter sports ending and baseball cruising, the players still haven’t even put pads on. That being said, there’s one small bullet point out of the AFC West I’ve been fixated on from the time I first started looking into it. Like many great coaches subtly do, Andy Reid has quietly excelled at making sure his special teams units have been at the top of league standings in a majority of the important categories. 

    The offense in KC has rightfully always gotten high praise due to Patrick Mahomes’ total mastery of Reid’s system. Steve Spagnuolo’s defense was the real star of the show last year during the regular season, and rightfully so with how that front seven and secondary performed. However, just like most years the special teams unit fell totally under the radar. This is the case with most teams, but eventually people have to recognize this aspect of the game has been a staple to this dynasty. 

   Just like the great Patriot teams led by Bill Belichick throughout the 2000’s, Andy Reid has sought to include the kicking and returning part of the game as a point of emphasis. The Chiefs are year after year some of the more athletic and more disciplined guys on 4th downs and kickoffs. If you look at the Super Bowl alone this year, special teams played an undeniable part in the Chiefs going back to back. Harrison Butker made a 57 yard field goal off a high snap. Upon a booming Tommy Townsend punt, the 49ers muffed the ball leading to the Chiefs taking the lead. Later on, a defensive lineman blocked Jake Moody’s extra point attempt in the fourth quarter to keep the San Francisco lead at three. 

In most sports the great teams do all the little things right to firmly separate themselves from the field. This is no different for the NFL’s best. In this year’s draft they selected Xavier Worthy out of Texas in the first round. With Kadarius Toney likely not being someone a championship operation can count on, Worthy could have an impact as a return man in addition to being an exciting wideout. The front office once again showed how aggressive they are with underappreciated positions after the all-pro punter Townsend departed in free agency for Houston. Kansas City signed former Bills standout punter Matt Araiza, who was once a can’t-miss prospect before off the field issues halted his career. Long snapping specialist James Winchester also quietly agreed to an extension to stay in the red and gold. He has been with the team since 2015.

  While I can go on more and more about how the Chiefs have excelled at the field position game, I am aware these specific skill positions are usually considered the most expendable in today’s NFL. However, I think the defending champs will be fine as long as they have coordinator Dave Tous around. He pairs well with Andy Reid’s aggressive coaching style, and the duo have been partnered for many years. It will be interesting to see what players can make it out of camp to contribute on the Chief’s special teams unit with Kansas City sure to once again be one of the most well rounded 52-man rosters in the league.