When Chiefs special teams coach Dave Toub uttered the words Devin Hester this summer, I knew Tyreek Hill had a chance to be special. Offensively, he’s already giving the Chiefs more than they could’ve hoped for with 234 yards and four touchdowns through eight games.
The expectations on special teams were even higher with that Hester comparison and he’s delivering. Pro Football Focus put out their midseason All-Pro team and put Tyreek as a return specialist.
Tyreek Hill has yet to find the end zone, but has been consistently solid on kick returns, averaging 23.5 yards per kick return. It’s as a punt returner where he has really stood out, though, leading all punt returners with at least 15 punt returns with an average of 17.3 yards per return.
He’s had two touchdowns called back. He is so, so close to breaking one. I still hold my breath every time he fields a return. He’s that exciting without even scoring yet. A bigger impact is still coming.
Two other things:
- They didn’t even mention his work as a gunner, which is terrific. I’m not sure what stat there is to prove that but flip on the TV and watch him work on the Chiefs punts. His speed pops.
- PFF named Eric Murray to their special teams list, noting that the Chiefs have had one or two special teams standouts each year. The power of Dave Toub.