3 Chiefs on Thin Ice After Catastrophic Loss to Broncos in Week 8
By Joe Summers
2. The Entire Special Teams Unit
I couldn't choose just one player to sum up how bad the special teams were on Sunday, so the entire unit is on thin ice instead outside of Harrison Butker and Tommy Townsend.
From start to finish, Dave Toub's group was horrific against the Broncos. Marvin Mims Jr. returned the Chiefs' opening punt 31 yards to set up an easy scoring drive, while Mecole Hardman managed -3 yards on three punt returns himself.
After that muffed punt, Mecole Hardman kept hitting his chest giving the “may bad” signal. Just saw the replay. Think he may be onto something.pic.twitter.com/HuzJdjOz8J
— Cousin Sal (@TheCousinSal) October 29, 2023
Of course, Mecole Hardman then muffed a punt deep in Broncos territory in the 4th quarter, giving Denver an effortless TD to go up two scores. Hardman was excellent in Week 7, so his mistakes were especially discouraging.
For all the spectacular punt returns we've seen over the years, Chiefs fans have also seen a lot of fumbled returns. That simply can't happen moving forward.
Kansas City is reportedly shopping Richie James, who can also return kicks, meaning Hardman will likely be the guy moving forward.
Toub has some work to do this week before the Dolphins matchup in Germany. It'll likely be a tight contest, so maintaining a special teams edge will be paramount to a bounce-back victory.
Our final Chief on thin ice may surprise you, but no person is infalliable.