Kansas City Chiefs: Five Keys To Victory Vs Denver Broncos
By Alec Tilson
Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
4. Win Special Teams
Special teams coach Dave Toub joined the KC Chiefs’ staff before the 2013 season and changed the face of the team – notably in the return game.
Football Outsiders‘ formula ranked the 2014 Chiefs special teams at number two in the league. Number one in the league in 2013. That was after being ranked 22 the season prior (2012).
It’s a really strong unit, and it’s a weekly difference-maker for the KC Chiefs.
Sure, punter Dustin Colquitt, made his job easier, but since Toub has been a part of the staff, the Chiefs consistently rank as one of the strongest special team units in the NFL.
In a Chiefs-Broncos game that appears to have a paper-thin margin, that presents a potential advantage.
From KCChiefs.com, last season the Chiefs special teams was dynamite:
"Led the NFL in punt returns of 20+ yards (12) Led the NFL in average starting field position after kickoff (25.9) Second in the NFL in kickoff return average (28.0)"
Colquitt will punt against his brother, Broncos punter Britton Colquitt.
If the Chiefs can win special teams and dictate field position tonight, they’ll be tough to beat at home.
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