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The Kansas City Chiefs are poised to make NFL history this upcoming season. With a rare opportunity to secure three consecutive Super Bowl victories, the Chiefs are pulling out all the stops, from roster upgrades to innovative strategies. One exciting addition is former Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit, who has already garnered significant attention within the team.
Rees-Zammit, who joined the Chiefs through the NFL's International Pathway Program, brings a wealth of experience from his rugby days. Known for his agility and skill in fielding high balls, Rees-Zammit is a natural fit for the NFL's special teams. The Chiefs are keen to see how his talents translate to returning kicks or potentially playing as a gunner. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Dave (Toub) will have an opportunity to have him on special teams and see where that goes."
Special teams coordinator Dave Toub is already impressed by Rees-Zammit's performance and work ethic. "He's done above and beyond what I've expected," Toub said. "He wants to be great and he's a great athlete."
The NFL's introduction of XFL-style kickoff rules in 2024 has teams exploring new strategies, and the Chiefs are no exception. Rees-Zammit's unique skill set could give Kansas City a crucial edge in special teams play.
Chiefs consider bold Special Teams strategy with another secret weapon
But Rees-Zammit isn't the only special teams wildcard the Chiefs have up their sleeve. In a surprising move, Toub and Reid are considering using safety Justin Reid for kickoffs instead of regular kicker Harrison Butker, a decision influenced by the new NFL kickoff rules. Toub explained the rationale behind this strategy: "I like to have somebody who can go back and is able to make a tackle. Harrison Butker is capable, but we really don't want him making tackles all season."
Justin Reid, known for his defensive prowess, has also shown surprising ability as a kicker, making him a dual-threat that could disrupt opposing return teams. "He's an extra guy they're probably not accounting for," Toub noted. "They have to get him blocked, which means giving up blocking someone else. Accuracy is crucial though... If the kick goes out of bounds, the opposing team starts at the 40."
As the Chiefs prepare for a season that could cement their legacy in the NFL, these bold moves and fresh faces highlight their commitment to innovation and excellence. Will these strategies pay off and lead to an unprecedented three-peat? Only time will tell, but the Chiefs are certainly leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of history.