OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 06: Denver Broncos helmets sit on the bench during their game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum on December 6, 2012 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
Chiefs- Dave Toub hasn’t been interviewed for head coaching positions for no reason. His special teams unit has been one of the best year in and year out. Harrison Butker converted 90.5% of his kicks last season making 38 field goals. While his counterpart Dustin Colquitt averaged 45.2 yards per punt as well as 29 punts inside the 20. Mix in Tyreke Hill, one of the most dangerous returners and you have the most talented unit in the West.
Broncos- In what could be seen as an under-rated signing, the Denver Broncos added All-Pro punter Marquette King. King may be the most skilled punter in the NFL and adds to a struggling unit. As long as Brandon McManus can rebound from missing eight kicks a year ago they become a good kicking duo. However, the Denver Broncos desperately need to find a consistent return man.
Raiders- The Raiders found a nice surprise with kicker Giorgio Taveechio who converted over three-fourths of his kicks. In the punting game, Oakland will look at rookie Johnny Townsend to fill the shoes left by King. Finalizing the revamped unit is newcomer Dwayne Harris who has four return touchdowns in his career. Losing King and Cordarrelle Patterson (trade with the Patriots) may end up hurting the Raiders in the end.
Chargers- The Chargers struggled all last year with finding a reliable kicker and it wound up costing them a few games. So in the off-season, they brought in Caleb Sturgis who was out most of last season with a hip injury. To compete with Sturgis, they brought in highly scrutinized former second-round pick, Roberto Aguayo. While in the punting game Drew Kaser is a very solid player with a 48-yard average. Rounding out the unit is returner Travis Benjamin. He can bust a long return or make a terrible play like he did against the Patriots that resulted in a safety. The Chargers need special teams to be more consistent in order to contend for the division.
