By Jayson Henderson
May 30, 2024
The Kansas City Chiefs, the defending Super Bowl champions, continued their preparation for the upcoming season with another round of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) this week. These sessions included 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 drills, marking the closest to “real football” since Super Bowl LVIII.
A significant focus during OTAs has been the new 2024 kickoff rules. Assistant Head Coach and Special Teams Coordinator Dave Toub explained the strategy, emphasizing accuracy over hang time and aiming to get the ball on the ground quickly to initiate coverage. Players like Louis Rees-Zammit and Justin Reid have been practicing kickoffs, adding potential coverage tacklers.
The new rules include the “landing zone” between the goal line and 20-yard line. Kickoffs landing here must be returned, with specific rules for kicks out of bounds or into the end zone.
Key practice highlights included linebacker Nick Bolton swatting a pass, undrafted rookie cornerback Miles Battle breaking up a pass, and wide receiver Justyn Ross making several catches. The Chiefs will continue OTAs next week before mandatory minicamp.
