The Kansas City Chiefs are reevaluating kicker Harrison Butker’s role under the NFL’s new kickoff rules. This change isn’t linked to his recent controversial remarks, but rather a strategic shift to adapt to the evolving game.
Chiefs Weigh Changes in Kickoff Duties
The Kansas City Chiefs are considering removing kicker Harrison Butker from kickoff duties next season. This move is unrelated to his recent controversial commencement speech that sparked national attention.
New Kickoff Rules Take Effect
New rules introduced in March require any ball kicked into the “landing zone” between the goal line and the 20-yard line to be returned. Fair catches are no longer permitted, and balls bouncing into the end zone from this zone must be returned or downed for a touchback.
Increased Action on Returns
These changes mean more active returns, putting kickers in positions to tackle during kickoff returns. Chiefs special teams coach Dave Toub detailed their strategy during OTAs, aiming to keep the ball away from the opponent’s returner.
Involving the Kicker in Tackles
Toub emphasized that the new rules, adopted from the XFL, involve the kicker more in tackling. The objective is to have the ball on the ground, enabling defenders to converge before the returner can make a move.
Toub’s Observations from the XFL
In Toub’s analysis of the XFL, kickers were engaged in 25 to 40 percent of the tackles. This involvement includes forcing the returner to change direction or attempting tackles themselves.
Minimizing Butker’s Tackle Responsibilities
Given these circumstances, Toub prefers to limit Butker’s involvement in making tackles throughout the season. The Chiefs have an alternative solution with safety Justin Reid as the emergency kicker.
Reid’s Kicking Experience
Fans recall Reid stepping in as kicker during Kansas City’s Week 1 game against the Arizona Cardinals in the 2022-23 season. He executed seven kickoffs, resulting in five touchbacks, and successfully made two extra points.
Reid’s Versatility
Toub believes Reid will enhance kickoff coverage. Reid’s experience as a safety means he’s adept at pursuing and tackling, providing an advantage over typical kickers in these scenarios.
Strategic Advantage with Reid
Reid’s ability to cover and tackle presents a unique challenge for opponents. Teams will need to account for Reid’s dual role as both kicker and tackler, potentially leaving other defenders less blocked.
Chiefs’ Preparedness for New Rules
The Chiefs’ preparedness for the new kickoff rules showcases their strategic depth. This readiness gives them a potential edge over other NFL teams less equipped to adapt to these changes.
Impact on Opposing Teams
How other NFL teams adapt to these new rules will be a key storyline this season. The Chiefs’ proactive approach could set a precedent for handling the increased physical demands on kickers.
Anticipating the Season Ahead
As the season approaches, the effectiveness of the Chiefs’ strategy will be closely watched. Their adjustments to the new kickoff rules may influence how the rest of the league responds.
