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KC Chiefs News: De’Anthony Thomas and Special Teams

ByLeigh Oleszczak|

KC Chiefs news focuses on speedy De’Anthony Thomas, who will be entering his second year in the NFL. Fans are also hoping to see a big year out of the Kansas City Chiefs’ special teams in 2015. 

De’Anthony Thomas was essentially the replacement for Dexter McCluster in Kansas City. McCluster departed after 2013 for a bigger contract with the Tennessee Titans, and the KC Chiefs took Thomas in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft to fill McCluster’s shoes.

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Thomas made his presence known on special teams early on into his NFL career when he returned a punt 80+ yards during the first preseason game of the year. After missing four games in the regular season due to injury, Thomas showed off his speed tremendously during 2014.

He ended his rookie campaign with over 400 yards on punt returns including one touchdown ran all the way back. He also had over 400 yards on kick returns as well.

Thomas should be able to build on his rushing/receiving stats this year, as he only had 156 yards receiving and 113 yards rushing. He also had one rushing touchdown.

De’Anthony Thomas will likely be moving to a wide receiver position this year rather than being utilized both there and at running back. Hopefully the move to receiver will allow Thomas to help out more on the offense, as it seemed last year there wasn’t really a plan for the speedster on the offensive side of the ball. He was mostly used on special teams.

Thomas will lead the way on the KC Chiefs’ special teams unit in 2015, along with kick returner Knile Davis. These two have shown explosiveness when it comes to returning the ball and we shouldn’t expect them to cool off this year. No, these two guys are just getting started.

Here’s what’s buzzing on Fansided.com.

De’Anthony Thomas: Chiefs’ hybrid vehicle [Arrowhead Addict]

"In Thomas’ first year, he produced well running the ball and when I say “well,” it’s a vast understatement — he averaged 8.1 yards per carry in his 14 attempts. So why did the rookie only get a total of 14 carries if he was doing so well? Well I’m not a detective but I’ve seen enough 21 Jump Street to put some theories together for you."

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    • "Special teams is an interesting concept because they can be the strongest part of a team without anyone really even noticing. A lot of the guys on special teams are only remembered if they mess something up (i.e. the punter, kicker, long snapper, etc), but the Chiefs have been fortunate to have had players who make a serious impact on special teams over the years."

    Kansas City Chiefs: Who’s the breakout player in 2015? [Arrowhead Addict]

    "There are a few obvious candidates in De’Anthony Thomas and Phillip Gaines. Thomas is likely to see an increased role and is now going to be featured as the primary slot receiver. Gaines had a very nice rookie season and from all reports, is having a monster spring. Still, I’m going in a different direction."

    Check out these other articles from the rest of the internet.

    Chiefs hope speedy De’Anthony Thomas thrives as a wide receiver [Kansas City Star]

    "But after reviewing the way Thomas was utilized a year ago, the Chiefs made the decision to move him to receiver this offseason, since he basically spent more of his time at that position, anyway."

    De’Anthony Thomas can be one fix for ailing Chiefs passing game [ESPN]

    "The Kansas City Chiefs need a lot more from Thomas as a receiver this year and judging from the first two weeks of offseason practice, they intend to get it. Thomas is now practicing with the receivers and position coach David Culley instead of the running backs, as he did last season."

    Next: Best Undrafted Free Agents in Chiefs History

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