The Kansas City Chiefs’ preseason opening against the Jacksonville Jaguars took an unexpected turn, with special teams issues that left fans perplexed and Coach Andy Reid looking for answers.
The misunderstanding was caused by a new kickoff regulation and wide receiver Mecole Hardman’s hesitancy.
The event occurred late in the second quarter, when the Jaguars led 18-10. Hardman collected a kickoff at the 1-yard line after it bounced out of the end zone, making a costly error that he later regretted.
“My point of view was, if your feet were in the end zone, it would be a touchback,” Hardman said after the game. “When the ball came back in the field, I felt like I needed to be in the end zone to down the ball.”
Initially, officials called it a touchback, but after additional review, they awarded the Jaguars a safety, leaving Coach Reid visibly upset.
“Normally when a ball goes in the end zone and you touch it there, then it’s a dead ball,” according to Reid.
Hardman’s role is not secure
However, safety was not the only issue troubling the Chiefs’ special teams. Parker Washington of Jacksonville managed a 73-yard return on Harrison Butker’s first kickoff, almost going all the way to the house before being stopped.
These special teams errors have gotten notice as the Chiefs prepare for their season opener against the Detroit Lions on September 26.
This preseason blunder comes at a critical time for Hardman, who is battling to secure his spot on the Chiefs’ roster after rejoining the team this summer.
Hardman’s position is far from safe, especially with rookie Nikko Remigio demonstrating promise as a kick returner. Special team coordinator Dave Toub commended Remigio’s performance, which could indicate a shift in the squad’s strategy.
