Tag: byron pringle

Chiefs’ Byron Pringle NFL’s 2nd-fastest ball-carrier in Week 17 on negated kick return TD

#Chiefs WR Byron Pringle’s kick return TD vs. the #Bengals was negated due to penalty, but it was the NFL’s 2nd-fastest speed by a ball-carrier in Week 17.

A play that didn’t end up happening in the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Cincinnati Bengals game recorded the 2nd-fastest speed by an NFL ball-carrier in Week 17.

Chiefs WR Byron Pringle hit an 89-yard kick return touchdown in the second quarter of the game, blowing past the Bengals’ special teams unit for what would have been his 2nd-career kick return for a touchdown. Unfortunately for the Chiefs, a holding penalty on rookie DB Zayne Anderson saw the play called back.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub raved about the play by Pringle and his kick return unit.

“He had great effort. He hit that thing so fast,” Toub said. “We do that GPS deal where we check to see how fast he was – his top speed on that play was 21.43 miles per hour. I think it was like our second fastest play of the year, so I was happy the way he hit it. He came through there strong, and I just felt bad for him when it got called back. It’s a shame. It was such a great effort by a lot of players on the field.”

By our research, Toub seems to be mistaken about Pringle’s top speed in his comments.  According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Pringle hit 21.13 MPH on the play. That number was was good for the 2nd-fastest speed by an NFL ball-carrier during Week 17 to only Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase’s 72-yard catch-and-run touchdown earlier in the game. It was also the 2nd-fastest speed by a Chiefs ball-carrier this season. Tyreek Hill hit 21.42 MPH on his 33-yard rushing touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 11 for the top spot per Next Gen Stats.

As impressive as the play by Pringle was, it did get called back due to a penalty that happened away from the play. Toub didn’t contest the call, but he also seems to think it just as easily could’ve been waved off by the officials. Unfortunately, what should have been a positive game-altering play for the KC gave Cincinnati the life they needed to mount a comeback.

“As far as the call, I see what the officials saw,” Toub said. “You could see it from the endzone. Zayne was getting overpowered. He was actually holding onto the guy and it appeared that he pulled the guy on top of him. I see what they saw, it was at the point of attack. I’ve also seen that call not be called. Either way, it went against us. It’s just a shame that it went against us because I really believe if we would’ve scored right there before the half, it would’ve kind of shut the door on them a little bit. It actually gave them life.”

The tease of having a touchdown return negated has left Toub’s unit hungry heading into Week 18’s showdown with the Broncos. He says they’re looking to get another one this week in Denver, which was actually the location and team that Kansas City faced on Pringle’s 102-yard kick return touchdown in 2020.

“We just have to get one this week, that’s the way we look at it,” Toub said. “We have a lot of football still in front of us and there’s more plays out there for us.”

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Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy praises WR Byron Pringle after Week 16 breakout performance

#Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy wasn’t surprised by Byron Pringle’s breakout performance against the #Steelers in Week 16. | from @TheJohnDillon

The Kansas City Chiefs’ 36-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers was a prime example of a flat-out wire-to-wire domination.

Even down one of their most potent weapons in TE Travis Kelce, the offensive unit managed to put together one of the most impressive showings to date with ruthless precision. They relied on the unsung heroes of their depth chart for major production in the process. One of the most influential players in the Week 16 win was fourth-year receiver Byron Pringle, who led the team in receiving yardage (75) and finished the day with two touchdowns to show for his monumental efforts.

Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy seemed to take particular note of Pringle’s performance, and he spoke about the work put in by his underrated receiver during the time he had for media availability on Thursday.

“I thought Pringle did a heck of a job,” Bieniemy said of Pringle’s breakout game. “I’m not shocked, nor surprised. The thing about Pringle, he’s one of our hardest working individuals. The kid comes to work every day with his hard hat. The thing that you appreciate about Pringle is that he does not take anything for granted.

“You don’t have to remind Pringle that he had a drop. He’s going to remind himself and he’s going to find a way to make up for that particular play. That’s what you love about him because nothing is ever too high, and nothing ever gets him down too low. He just puts consistent behavior on tape, and that’s what we appreciate about him more than anything.”

The talented receiver has been a fan-favorite since signing with Kansas City as an undrafted free agent from Kansas State, and the team’s investment in him has paid off in a huge way this season. While he may not turn out performances like the one he had against the Steelers on a weekly basis, Pringle has proved to fans and coaches alike that their affinity for him isn’t misplaced. He appears to have a key place in the Chiefs’ offense when the playoffs start in January.

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Chiefs Wire Podcast: Preparing for battle against Chargers on Sunday

On the latest episode of @TheChiefsWire podcast: #Chiefs’ Byron Pringle goes 1-on-1 with @EdEastonJr. @TheChargersWire’s @GavinoBorquez talks #Chargers’ Week 3 strategy.

We’re back with an all-new episode of the Chiefs Wire podcast! This week we’re previewing the Kansas City Chiefs’ week 3 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers.

During the show, Ed Easton Jr. speaks with Chiefs Wire managing editor Charles Goldman, who shares his thoughts on the Chiefs’ poor defensive play after Week 2. Chiefs wide receiver Byron Pringle calls in to talk about his sponsorship with Pringles and the story behind his Ray Lewis-like touchdown dance vs. Baltimore. Lastly, Chargers Wire managing editor Gavino Borquez fills us in on the Chargers’ game plan heading into Sunday’s afternoon AFC West matchup.

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Chiefs WR Byron Pringle talks TD dance vs. Ravens, new Pringles partnership

Byron Pringle spoke to @EdEastonJr about his new partnership with Pringles, the #Chiefs’ talented receivers room, his Ray Lewis-like touchdown celebration dance vs. the #Ravens.

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Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Byron Pringle has been a multi-purpose player for the franchise since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2018. Now, the former Kansas State star is partnering with a brand he’s long been associated with because of his last name.

Pringles is partnering with the namesake player and fan of the brand, giving him a deal that includes paying him in Pringles and his own signature flavor stack – the “Byron Pringle Kansas City BBQ Stack” featuring his favorite Pringles flavors of BBQ, Jalapeño and Sour Cream & Onion.

Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. recently sat down with Pringle to talk about his work with Pringles, his Ray Lewis-esque touchdown dance vs. Baltimore, and more.

Dave Toub praises Chiefs’ Jody Fortson, Mike Hughes ahead of roster cuts

Dave Toub told reporters that Mike Hughes and Jody Fortson have a chance to make a big impact for the #Chiefs on special teams this season. | from @TheJohnDillon

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It seems that every year special teams coach Dave Toub has a new surprise for fans after a summer off to improve the punting and kicking games for the Kansas City Chiefs. From the emergence of D.J. Alexander in 2016 as a Pro Bowl gunner to the kick return prowess of Byron Pringle being unleashed in 2020. The new season is sure to hold something special for the special teams unit in pursuit of another Super Bowl.

Andy Reid has always placed a huge emphasis on winning on special teams. Rarely in the modern pass-happy NFL does a game come down to a punt inside the 20 or field position on a kickoff, but with expectations at an all-time high, Kansas City will seek any edge it can find.

After Chiefs practice on Tuesday, Toub spoke to the media about his unit of specialists and provided key insights into his perspective on the roster ahead of the team’s final cutdowns. Toub has had tremendous influence over tough decisions in assembling the best 53 players in the past, with this year likely headed in the same direction. Speaking about players that might need a big performance to make the cut on special teams, Toub told the media that nobody’s job is safe.

“I think everybody needs to have a good showing,” Toub said, “There are guys that you might think are easy ins right now and they’re still fighting. It’s not over. That’s the thing that I tell them. I say, ‘the decision is not made until this last game is done and we get down to 53.’ They got to keep fighting, everybody. There are lots of positions that are still open right now. Special teams will have something to do with it, but offense and defense mostly.”

The versatility to play capably on either side of the ball but also on special teams can put younger players over the top for the coaching staff, making them very difficult to cut given their use in multiple phases. Players like receiver Marcus Kemp and defensive back Dicaprio Bootle could find their way onto the final roster with solid performances at their primary positions, potentially doubling as gunners on Toub’s crew.

One surprise of the preseason has been the utilization of new cornerback Mike Hughes as a punt and kick returner, a secondary role Toub sees huge upside for him in.

 “Mike is a very, very good catcher,” Toub told reporters of the former first-round pick. “He’s a talented returner. He gets up the field north and south, he looks for that north and south right away whereas he could probably press the edges a little bit more. He’s talented and we like what we see in him going forward.”

His quote on Hughes was particularly interesting given comments made about Demarcus Robinson later in the press conference. Robinson, a mainstay of the Chiefs’ special teams since being drafted by Kansas City in 2016, has found his role change from gunner to returner. Hughes appears to have usurped his role as a returner in this preseason. Upstart second-year tight end Jody Fortson, a converted receiver, is competing alongside the aforementioned Kemp to displace him elsewhere on the roster.

Toub was complimentary of Fortson too and seemed to think he was on his way to securing a roster spot.

“Jody (Fortson) is setting himself up well,” Toub told reporters. “No surprises, but I was just happy to see Jody with as hard as he worked in the offseason to be able to show it on the field as a hold-up guy, blocker and cover guy, physical. It’s good to see.”

For Toub, Kansas City’s overall roster depth presents him with a complex puzzle to solve before September in finding the absolute best players under contract to help win the Chiefs games this season. His last chance to evaluate the talent before decisions have to be made will be on Friday against the Vikings, and if history is any indication, his perspective on this game could have huge implications for the team’s roster moving forward.

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Chiefs WR Byron Pringle signs restricted free agent contract tender

Pringle is now officially inked for the 2021 NFL season.

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Byron Pringle has officially signed his restricted free agent tender.

Pringle was tendered a contract offer with the Chiefs back in early March ahead of the 2021 free agency period. According to his agents, The Katz Brothers, Pringle has officially signed that contract tender. The tender an original round tender, which means he’ll earn a $2.133 million non-guaranteed salary for the 2021 NFL season.

An undrafted free agent out of Kansas State in 2018, Pringle has developed into a key part of this team on special teams and he’s expected to take up a bigger role on offense in 2021.

Pringle finished the 2020 regular season with just 13 receptions on 17 targets for 160 yards and a touchdown. His biggest impact came on special teams where he had 10 kick returns for 324 yards and a touchdown.

Chiefs GM Brett Veach seemed very excited about Pringle and his potential for the upcoming season just days ago during his pre-draft press conference.

“We’re certainly extremely high on Byron Pringle,” Veach told reporters. “I think we all believe in him and the progress and the work that he’s put in, we are certainly hopeful for him.”

Ahead of Super Bowl LV, Pringle’s Chiefs teammates lobbied for him to have a bigger role in the game plan. He received the start for Kansas City, with 44 offensive snaps, but only one reception for three yards on two targets.

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Chiefs tender restricted free agent WR Byron Pringle

Pringle received an original round tender from the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Kansas City Chiefs have made another move to retain one of their own.

As first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Chiefs have tendered a contract offer to restricted free agent WR Byron Pringle. An undrafted free agent out of Kansas State in 2018, Pringle has developed into an important part of the team.

This past season in Kansas City he was utilized as a kick return specialist and saw an increased role on offense late in the year during the playoffs, earning starts in each of the three games played by the Chiefs. The hope for Pringle is that he’ll be able to continue on as a starter next season, easing the expected losses of players like Demarcus Robinson and Sammy Watkins.

Thus far in his career, Pringle has caught 25 passes on 33 targets for 330 and two touchdowns.

Pringle was given an original round tender according to Kansas City Star beat writer Herbie Teope. He’ll earn a $2.133 million non-guaranteed salary for the 2021 NFL season at that tender amount. Teams will still be able to sign Pringle to an offer sheet and Kansas City would only have the right to match the offer at the original round tender.

Given how slow the free-agent market has been for receivers, this is probably a safe move for the Chiefs with little-to-no risk of losing him to another club.

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Who will Chiefs turn to with WR Sammy Watkins ruled out vs. Browns?

2016 fourth-round draft pick Demarcus Robinson is due for more snaps with Sammy Watkins ruled out for Sunday.

The Kansas City Chiefs will be without WR Sammy Watkins against the Cleveland Browns in the AFC’s divisional round of the playoffs.

The Chiefs are no strangers to being without Watkins, though. Out of 53 possible games since 2018, including the playoffs, Watkins has only played in 39 of those games. Watkins’ impact on the field when he does play, however, can’t be understated. Particularly in the playoffs, his production has been vital, with a total of 24 catches, 464 yards and one touchdown over the span of the past two postseasons. That’s no small chunk of production, but Chiefs HC Andy Reid isn’t batting an eye at his absence.

“Yeah, listen, we all love Sammy,” Reid said on Friday. “He’s done a heck of a job here, but with any situation like this, we just say next guy up and we go. I’m not sure anybody blinks on that, you just giddy-up and go. And that’s not because Sammy’s not a great player, that’s not it. It’s just one of those things, how this team’s wired, and we do the best we possibly can. From a coaching standpoint on down with the players, just do the best you can and here we go. So, that’s what we’re doing.”

Fans would like to hope that it’ll be second-year WR Mecole Hardman or undrafted fan-favorite Byron Pringle to take the majority of the snaps in place of Watkins. The truth is that another veteran receiver has typically seen the greatest increase in snap share when Watkins hasn’t played this season.

When Watkins first suffered a hamstring injury in Week 5, Demarcus Robinson was the player to see extra playing time on offense. Robinson saw an increase in snaps from 41% to 68% of the Chiefs’ total snaps in Week 5 with Watkins’ injury. In Week 6, he’d play in 95% of the offensive snaps for Kansas City. He never saw less than 55% of the snaps on offense until Week 14, two weeks after Watkins’ returned from his first injury.

The former 2016 fourth-round draft pick is one of the more trusted receivers in the offense. His chemistry with Patrick Mahomes has always been special since the two worked together on the scout team in 2017. He’s good at finding the soft spots in the secondary when plays breakdown and Mahomes is forced to improvise.

On the year, Robinson has 45 receptions on 59 targets for 466 yards and three touchdowns. In Week 17, Robinson got the start for Kansas City and played in 89% of the snaps, recording six catches for 58 yards. Hopefully, he can carry over some of that success into the postseason, especially in an increased role with the starters.

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Chiefs WR Byron Pringle made case to be postseason contributor in Week 17

Pringle made his case with a strong Week 17 performance, but will the Chiefs play him during the postseason?

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Kansas City Chiefs WR Byron Pringle has quietly put together an impressive season despite a lack of consistent playing time.

The third-year wide receiver has only 160 yards and one touchdown on the season, but before injuring his ankle in Week 11 against the Raiders his offensive snaps were trending up. He was starting to turn heads and there was a growing expectation that he could be a reliable option for the team. Not only in the passing game, but also as a kick returner after scoring a 103-yard touchdown earlier in the season.

Pringle hasn’t had the same number of snaps since returning from injury until his recent opportunity to start against the Chargers. He played a season-high 45 snaps against Los Angeles.

“When I went out and I was with the trainer staff I knew I was in good hands with Julie (Frymyer), Rick (Burkholder) and staff,” said Pringle. “I know when I got back, I was going to come back and give it my all from the time that I missed and just keep working hard. When I got an opportunity,  take it one play at a time, no pressure on myself, just execute the plan.”

On Sunday against the Chargers, Pringle recorded four receptions for 52 yards and a touchdown. It might not seem like a lot, but he was one of the Chiefs’ most productive players of the day, helping keep drives alive and recording the longest reception of the day.

His performance against the Chargers should give the coaching staff confidence that his ankle is fully healthy and that he can handle a greater workload. The odds are still against him to get on the field considering the Chiefs having one of the deepest groups of wide receivers in the NFL, however, Pringle doesn’t find it difficult waiting for his time.

“It’s not difficult,” said Pringle. “You’re a professional, you come to work every day, you never know when your time will be called. You have to stay ready, mentally ready, and know your assignment when you are given the opportunity to be out there.”

Chiefs HC Andy Reid acknowledged that Pringle has really become a reliable weapon for the team and he’s impressed in his return from injury.

“I mean, he’s really done a nice job the whole way through,” Reid said. “He was banged up there for a little bit and ever since he’s been back, he’s really given us good snaps, and today was no different. He’s so physical when he catches and runs, he’s got a real knack for that. You see it on his return game too.”

At the same time, Reid wouldn’t commit to utilizing Pringle any differently than the team had before the playoffs.

“I’ll tell you, he’s done this before, so he’s a good football player and we’ll just see how it goes,” Reid said. “We try to work him in every place we can and give him opportunities, but he sure had a nice game yesterday…”

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4 Chiefs players to watch in Week 15 vs. Saints

Keep an eye on these four players as the Kansas City Chiefs take on the New Orleans Saints.

The Kansas City Chiefs are set to play the New Orleans Saints in Week 15. For the Chiefs, this is basically a bragging rights game that can help validate their Super Bowl title defense. Meanwhile, the Saints are clinging on to hope that they can somehow keep pace with the Green Bay Packers, eventually securing the NFC’s No. 1 seed.

If Kansas City wants to prove that they’re the best team in football again in 2020, a win this week will go a long way toward proving that. The Chiefs will need some key performances from veterans and rookies alike if they’re to come away victorious in New Orleans. Here is a look at four Chiefs players to keep an eye on during the Sunday afternoon showdown between non-conference opponents: