The Kansas City Chiefs started the 2026 season with a dominant division victory. Many players in need of encouraging performances shined. We also saw Kansas City completely lean on a new play style built on physicality and an encouraging ground game.
There was one spot that became frustrating throughout the night, however. Kansas City's special teams units had far too many penalties. The Chiefs were called for seven penalties in Week 1, four of which came on special teams. Half of their penalty yards against the Denver Broncos were via the special teams units.
It has been a problem for the Chiefs in the last couple of seasons. Overall, this issue has to be reduced to a minimum rate as the season goes on, based on how Kansas City wants to attack this season.
Too much yellow in past two years
The Chiefs were called for 23 special teams penalties in 2025. According to NFL Penalties' data, that total was tied for the sixth-most special teams flags last season. And even in 2024, Kansas City finished with 18 special teams penalties. That mark was tied for the fifth-most special teams infractions that season.
Kansas City assistant head coach and special teams coordinator Dave Toub is known to have plenty of input on roster decisions. Due to his special teams impact, many of the final roster choices are influenced by what he's seeing. In the end, the Chiefs still have plenty of veterans who have played a fair amount of special teams snaps for Toub the last few years. Even their so-called special teams aces have been hit hard with key penalties at the most crucial of moments.
A decline in production and a lack of discipline from his special teams units have been evident since 2024. Jack Cochrane became a fun UDFA story for Kansas City. Yet, he's had more than his fair share of holding calls go against him in the kick return phase last year. There is also an alarming number of penalties popping up when the Chiefs are returning a punt. That happened at least a couple of times after a defensive stop on Monday against the Broncos. We even saw some awkward kickoff penalties from Harrison Butker in 2025.
New-look offense cannot be painted into corner by S/T mistakes
If the Chiefs' return game and kicking game continue to commit penalties, it is going to make things that much more difficult for K.C.'s offense. Special teams failing to capitalize means the offensive attack has to be even more efficient and stay within the margins.
There is obviously still hope for continued progression and more growth from the passing game. Patrick Mahomes will eventually get more comfortable while knocking added rust off as he returns from injury. But there is no doubting how limited the Chiefs are at wide receiver.
Yes, Kansas City wants to overpower opponents and lean on the backfield more this season. Eventually, more creativity in the passing game should materialize as the Chiefs look to keep defenses honest. However, those necessary shots cannot be hindered by the same special teams mistakes that have plagued Kansas City in recent years.
Why offense needs desirable starting points to open drives
The Chiefs' offense is simply going to look new and fresh this year. In a season where Kansas City is more balanced offensively, they are also leaning on setting a tone rather than using finesse to beat opponents. You are seeing more mass incorporated by K.C. on the line of scrimmage, in-line, and even in the backfield.
Mahomes is working back to being fully comfortable as a passer. At the same time, this wide receiver room is forced to prove itself every other week. Because of these aspects on offense, the Chiefs cannot be put in undesirable starting field positions. Kansas City can ill afford opportunities being taken away to start drives closer to midfield or near opponent territory. If the special teams group cuts down on its penalties, this offense can truly reach the confidence it needs to become dominant as this season goes on.
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