Three Questions: Kansas City Chiefs Special Teams
By Ben Nielsen
Dec 1, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Knile Davis (34) scores on a 105-yard kickoff return against the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Who returns punts and kicks?
Gone are the Chiefs primary return men in Dexter McCluster and Quintin Demps, both lost to free agency. This leaves the Chiefs without their primary kick and punt returners from a season ago.
The immediate thought must be De’Anthony Thomas, the Chiefs fourth round pick, will take one of those roles. Thomas may prove to be one of the fastest men in the NFL and has the moves to miss tackles in space. In his time at Oregon, Thomas returned 73 kickoffs for an average of 25.8 yards and scored four touchdowns. He returned 16 punts, averaged 17.1 yards per return, and scored a touchdown. Scoring a touchdown once every 18 returns is pretty impressive.
Kansas City also has a slew of guys who could find their way on the return team. Davis, Weston Dressler, A.J. Jenkins, and Joe McKnight would all seem to be the most viable candidates to win a job. As stated earlier, Davis returned a touchdown 108 yards against Denver last season and was incredibly effective in his reserve role. Assuming he’s improved his hands on kickoffs, he could end up being the primary option.