Dave Toub admits he doesn't want to take away something that makes Chiefs P Matt Araiza unique
The Kansas City Chiefs got more than they bargained for when they signed punter Matt Araiza. And it's in the best possible way. He has proved that he can do a lot more than just punt the ball. He can also get down the field and help with coverage. He gives it his all each […]
The Kansas City Chiefs got more than they bargained for when they signed punter Matt Araiza.
And it's in the best possible way.
He has proved that he can do a lot more than just punt the ball. He can also get down the field and help with coverage.
He gives it his all each and every time.
But because of the way he is making these tackles, it certainly makes many worry about injuries. That includes Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub.
"We talked about this before. I don't want him down there making tackles," Toub told reporters on Thursday. "I'd rather have him make a big play with his leg, punt the ball high enough to where he doesn't have to make a tackle."
However, this is also something that makes Araiza unique.
"But you know, he's a football player in his mind, and he's going to get down there and do what he has to do," he added. "If he needs to make the tackle, he will. I mean, we know that.
"So, I don't want to take that edge away from him. But you know, at the same time, we got to be smart about it, too."
In the team's win over the Las Vegas Raiders, Araiza finished with two tackles. Had he gotten three, he would have tied the NFL record for most tackles in a single game by a punter.
(But based on the way he's playing, he's sure to break that one of these day.)
However, while Toub remains cautious, it's clear that his fellow teammates love to see it.
Chiefs LB Drue Tranquill shared his reaction on X (formerly Twitter) after the team's most recent game.
"Is Matt Araiza an undercover linebacker playing punter," he wrote.
It's fun to see a punter willing to make these kinds of plays in the NFL… as long as it's done safely. Especially because the Chiefs have had enough injures to worry about this season already.