2023 Special Teams Reviews – Syndication Server

Chiefs 2023 special teams preview: Field goals and extra points

Our @WesleyRoesch breaks down what fans should expect from the #Chiefs’ field goal unit in 2023.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ field goal kicking squad got off to a rough start in 2022, but things got back on track by the time the postseason came around.

The team hopes to carry that positive momentum into 2023 as it retains a healthy Harrison Butker, who has been a reliable kicker for the Chiefs since 2017.

Butker will have a handful of new guys blocking for him in 2023, but fans should expect that blocking squad to remain a brick wall like last year. Let’s take a look at who will be blocking for Butker this season, and who has been replaced.

Chiefs 2023 special teams preview: Field goal and extra point blocking

Our @WesleyRoesch breaks down what fans should expect from the #Chiefs’ field goal and extra point block units in 2023.

The Kansas City Chiefs were one of 10 teams in 2022 to block zero field goals or extra points.

A few players came close, including defensive end George Karlaftis and cornerback Chris Lammons, but nobody was able to bat away a kick. In 2023, the team hopes to change that.

The Chiefs’ 2023 field goal/extra point blocking subunit will have quite a few new players due to some roster turnover.

Let’s look at who will be joining the squad, and who has left:

Chiefs 2023 special teams preview: Punt returns

Our @WesleyRoesch breaks down what fans should expect from the #Chiefs’ punt return subunit in 2023.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ punt return team was, quite frankly, bad last season.

That is, up until the postseason when receiver/returners Skyy Moore and Kadarius Toney broke off game-changing returns in the AFC Championship Game and the Super Bowl, respectively.

Kansas City hopes to carry that momentum into 2023 with its punt return subunit, albeit with a different squad than last year’s. Several contributors on the Chiefs’ punt return squad are no longer on the roster entering 2023, meaning there’s potential for improvement.

Let’s look at who’s left and who’s back on the Chiefs’ punt return team, and who will be contributing for the very first time.

Chiefs 2023 special teams preview: Kickoff coverage

Our @WesleyRoesch breaks down what fans should expect from the #Chiefs’ kickoff coverage team in 2023.

The Chiefs had a strong kickoff coverage subunit last season thanks to a mix of hungry rookies, experienced vets, and the leadership of special teams coordinator Dave Toub.

However, Kansas City’s kickoff lineup will be a bit different in 2023 due to an influx of new talent, which means the squad’s potential is now up in the air.

Let’s take a look at some of the newest projected contributors on the Chiefs’ kickoff coverage team, and who those new contributors will be replacing.

Chiefs 2023 special teams preview: Kick returns

Our @WesleyRoesch breaks down what fans should expect on the #Chiefs’ kick returns in 2023.

The Chiefs’ kick return subunit used to consistently perform at a top-five level under special teams coordinator Dave Toub up until 2020.

Since then, Kansas City has struggled to find an above-average kick returner and surrounding squad to put up top-10 (sometimes top-16) numbers. 2022 was a middling year for the Chiefs’ kick return game, with the squad finishing 14th in kick return yards. Running back/returner Isiah Pacheco earned solid returns but ultimately finished 16th in average yards per return.

The Chiefs’ kick return game will look quite a bit different in 2023 with a new kick returner in Richie James plus a handful of new blockers. This means there’s potential for improvement, so this will be one squad to keep an eye on.

Let’s take a look at those returning to the Chiefs’ kick return subunit this season, and those who are projected to contribute for the first time.