The Kansas City Chiefs have long been known for their depth, versatility, and innovative approach to both offense and defense.

However, one of the lesser-known aspects of their team structure is the way they prepare players for roles that go beyond their usual positions.

This level of preparedness and adaptability was highlighted recently when the Chiefs found themselves in a situation that required a quick adjustment in their special teams unit.

During a recent preseason game, the team’s regular long snapper, James Winchester, sustained an injury, prompting the coaching staff to make an unexpected move that showcased the depth of talent on their roster.

Dave Toub, the Chiefs’ special teams coordinator, addressed the media following a practice session on Tuesday to discuss the situation.

Toub, who is widely regarded as one of the best special teams coaches in the NFL, explained the decision-making process that led to the team’s surprising choice of backup long snapper.

While many fans and analysts might assume that a specialized position like long snapper would have a designated backup who practices for such moments, the Chiefs’ approach is more flexible, involving multiple players in preparations for various contingencies.

Travis Kelce, the Chiefs’ star tight end, is well-known for his exceptional skills on offense, but few might have guessed that he also serves as the team’s backup long snapper.

Kelce’s athleticism and football IQ make him a natural fit for the role, even though it’s not one he is typically called upon to perform.

Toub explained that if the injury to Winchester had occurred during a regular season game, there would have been no hesitation in sending Kelce out to snap the ball.

“Kelsey is our backup long snapper, and if this were the regular season, I’d have no hesitation putting him in, and he’d excel,” Toub said.

However, during the preseason, the coaching staff opted to take a different approach.

Kelce had already been taken out of the game by the time Winchester was injured, which led Toub and the rest of the coaching staff to turn to their third option for the long snapper position: Noah Gray.

Gray, who primarily plays as a tight end, had not been extensively trained for the role of long snapper, but the Chiefs’ emphasis on cross-training players for multiple positions paid off.

“Noah Gray doesn’t get many reps in that role, but he did some snaps during the mock games last year, and we just threw him in,” Toub explained.

Despite the lack of preparation, Gray’s performance was remarkable, demonstrating his ability to step up under pressure.

During the game, Gray received some quick pointers on snapping from Winchester, along with assistance from Harrison Butker, the team’s kicker, and Matt Araiza, the punter.

Toub praised the trio for their quick thinking and effective coaching, which allowed Gray to perform admirably in a situation that could have easily gone awry.

The incident is a testament to the Chiefs’ overall philosophy of preparation and versatility.

In the NFL, where injuries are an unfortunate but inevitable part of the game, having players who can fill in at multiple positions is a significant advantage.

This is especially true for specialized roles like long snapper, where a single mistake can have a huge impact on the outcome of a game.

By ensuring that multiple players are prepared to step into these roles, the Chiefs are better equipped to handle unexpected challenges during the season.

Toub’s confidence in his players and his ability to think on his feet are key components of the Chiefs’ success on special teams.

His decision to use Gray as the backup long snapper, rather than bringing Kelce back into the game, was a strategic one, aimed at preserving Kelce’s health while still addressing the immediate need on the field.

This kind of decision-making is what has made Toub one of the most respected coaches in the league.

Looking ahead, the Chiefs are optimistic about Winchester’s recovery and expect him to be ready for the regular season opener on September 5th against the Baltimore Ravens.

In the meantime, the team has signed Randen Plattner, a former Kansas State Wild