Chiefs Special Teams: Toub Not Panicked by Early Struggles

As the 2026 NFL season approaches Week 4, the Kansas City Chiefs' special teams unit is facing scrutiny due to early-season performance issues.

Special teams coordinator Dave Toub acknowledges the unit's struggles, noting their current middle-of-the-pack standing. However, he emphasizes that it's too early in the season, with only three games played, to draw definitive conclusions. Toub expects a clearer picture to emerge around Week 6.

The Chiefs currently rank poorly in several statistical categories. They are 31st in yards per punt return (3.8) and last in punt return success rate (10%). Their overall special teams Expected Points Added (EPA) is 28th (-8.44), and their penalty EPA is 17th (-0.48).

Additional metrics show the Chiefs are 25th in kicking EPA (-8.17) and opponent net yards per punt (43.5), and 29th in opponent yards per punt return (18.0). Pro Football Focus also assigned the team the second-lowest special teams grade.

Despite these statistics, there are areas of competence, such as top-10 average starting field position on both offense and defense. Punter Matt Araiza has also performed well, ranking first in net yards per punt.

Toub attributes some of the team's special teams challenges to its youth. He believes the young players will develop and improve as the season progresses. Specific players like Nikko Remigio and Brashard Smith are expected to enhance their return game performance, while kicker Harrison Butker is anticipated to find more consistency with an alignment tweak.

While Toub's past track record is strong, the Chiefs' special teams have been inconsistent in recent years. The effectiveness of their approach will depend on actual on-field improvement rather than just projected growth.