The Kansas City Chiefs go into the 2024 season looking to make history. Not many teams have won three straight Super Bowls, and the franchise is looking to do just that. One new thing they will have to adapt to for 2024 is the new kickoff rules. The NFL is trying to make the play more exciting, and they are adopting what the spring football leagues have done in the past couple of seasons. Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub revealed a unique strategy they might use on kickoff coverage.
Kansas City Chiefs New Kickoff Rules
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Toub revealed that the team may not use Harrison Butker on all of the kickoffs. The new rules are set up in a way that the kicker may have to be involved in tackling. The Kansas City Chiefs do not want their clutch kicker putting his body at risk to bring down a returner. Furthermore, they want another good tackler on the field to prevent big returns. Toub mentioned using a player like safety Justin Reid.
This makes some sense. Teams used to be able to boot the ball out the back of the endzone, and that was it. Now, the other team gets the ball on the 30-yard line if it goes out the back of the endzone. The NFL is incentivizing teams to give more opportunities to return kicks. Kickers are not known for their tackling ability, and many teams have just one on the roster. Not putting an important player in danger is a sound strategy.
How Will This Impact The Game?
For years, the kickoff has been a nothing play. Every so often, we would see an exciting return, but for the most part, teams kicked it out the back of the endzone. It would not be shocking to see more kickoff returns in 2024. Quick scores drastically change the game. Leads could be cut in half in a matter of seconds. As a fan, I find this to be more exciting.
It will be interesting to see if any other teams follow what the Kansas City Chiefs are doing with the new kickoff rules. Teams could decide to carry another special teams player who has a decent leg and can put the ball in the new landing zone. The NFL is constantly evolving, and it is no surprise that the Kansas City Chiefs are looking for a way to use it to their advantage.
About The Author
Matt Brown is one of the owners at Total Apex. He has been writing about sports and entertainment for over two years and currently works as a banker in Wisconsin. His passion for sports and entertainment knows no bounds, but football is the sport he follows most closely. However, he is never afraid to branch out, and you will see him talk about anything sports with anyone who will listen. Being a former Disney Store cast member, he will talk your ear off on anything Disney.
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