5 Keys For Victory: Chiefs at Dolphins
By Ben Nielsen
Sep 14, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Frankie Hammond Jr. (85) makes a catch during the first half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
5. Special Teams
Miami enters today as one of the worst special teams units in football and allowed a kickoff return for a touchdown to C.J. Spiller last week. There should be some opportunities for the Chiefs to get some excellent field position from their return units.
The question is whether or not Frankie Hammond is ready for the challenge. Hammond returned one kick last week for 37 yards, and is averaging 8.2 yards per punt return in six attempts. In other words he’s been serviceable but not dynamic. With De’Anthony Thomas out the Chiefs don’t really have that dynamic return man to return punts. And with Charles injured, Knile Davis likely won’t be retuning kickoffs. The Chiefs need Hammond to make at least one play on special teams if they are going to win this game.
Then there is the question of Cairo Santos. In some ways Santos has been getting an unfair shake by fans who are already calling for him to be cut after missing two of his first four kicks. The history of rookie kickers having rough starts to their rookie seasons is an extensive one and the Chiefs are doing the right thing showing some patience with Santos.
But there is a point where Santos has to start consistently making some kicks, especially the ones from inside forty yards. A good day today would go a long way towards restoring some confidence in both himself and Chiefs fans.