The Kansas City Chiefs made several adjustments in the offseason, with a significant change regarding the punter position on special teams and the departure of former Pro Bowler Tommy Townsend.
Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub spoke to reporters on Monday after practice, providing his early assessment of new punter Matt Araiza ahead of Thursday’s season opener.
“He’s a great person, great guy to be around. Fit right in right away. I feel like we really haven’t missed a beat as far as operation goes, with the field goal, as that goes, and Matt (Araiza) has done a good job.” Said Toub. “He’s got to remember, he’s a rookie, and it’s going to take some time. There’s going to be some growing pains, a little bit as we go. We’re not going to ask him to be at Tommy Townsend’s level coming in the way he went out. He’s going to continue to get better as we go. We anticipate that, but I’m excited about his prospects.”
Araiza is a lefty punter who differs from Townsend’s style. As the Chiefs move forward with him heading into the start of the new season, he is seeking a fresh start in Kansas City, leaving his off-the-field issues in the past and focusing on being an efficient punter.