The Kansas City Chiefs were one of 10 teams in 2022 to block zero field goals or extra points.
A few players came close, including defensive end George Karlaftis and cornerback Chris Lammons, but nobody was able to bat away a kick. In 2023, the team hopes to change that.
Buy Chiefs TicketsThe Chiefs’ 2023 field goal/extra point blocking subunit will have quite a few new players due to some roster turnover.
Let’s look at who will be joining the squad, and who has left:
Top 2022 Chiefs field goal/extra point blocking contributors
These were the top 11 players on the Chiefs’ FG/XP blocking crew last season:
LB Nick Bolton
S Deon Bush
LB Leo Chenal
DE Mike Danna
LB Darius Harris
DE George Karlaftis
CB Chris Lammons
DT Derrick Nnadi
S Justin Reid
DT Khalen Saunders
CB Joshua Williams
Four of those 11 players are not on the Chiefs’ 53-man roster entering the 2023 season: Bush (on the Chiefs’ practice squad), Harris (free agent), Lammons (Indianapolis Colts) and Saunders (New Orleans Saints).
The remaining seven players should contribute to this subunit in some capacity in 2023, though guys like Karlaftis and Reid could take a backseat. Hopefully, Karlaftis does play on this squad often, though, because he came extremely close to blocking multiple field goals last year.
Projected 2023 Chiefs field goal/extra point blocking contributors
Normally I’d list all the potential contributors for this squad in 2023, but virtually every Chiefs defensive player could (and likely will) contribute at some point.
The best thing I can do is share my projections for how this crew will shape up, but ultimately special teams coordinator Dave Toub loves to mix and match players and positions on this squad. Nevertheless, here are my projections:
Expect the rookies to contribute often, though veterans will certainly mix in as well. It may seem strange for the Chiefs to use starters on this subunit, but remember that there’s always the possibility of a fake. If that happens, you want your best players on the field. That’s why linebacker Nick Bolton is almost always on the field for these.
When it comes to blocking kicks, keep an eye on the aforementioned Karlaftis and rookie Felix Anudike-Uzomah. Both were known to block kicks in college – the Chiefs will use their length to their advantage.
Outside of the Chiefs’ main roster, there are six defensive players on the Chiefs’ practice squad who could receive a callup and earn time with this crew.
