Why Chiefs Are Somehow Immune to Surge in Blocked Kicks

Toub, Kansas City Chiefs knocking on wood entering Week 7.

Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal (54) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The last time the Chiefs hosted a Sunday noon game at Arrowhead Stadium, Leo Chenal saved the day.

It was Nov. 10 last season. Broncos kicker Wil Lutz lined up for a 35-yard field goal but the Chiefs’ linebacker pancaked the left tackle and laid out into the path of the kicker’s trajectory. With no time on the clock, Chenal preserved a 16-14 Kansas City win.

Rookie got team's first block

Three weeks ago at MetLife Stadium, Ashton Gillotte broke through to block an extra-point attempt by Giants’ backup kicker Jamie Gillan. But, knock on wood, those are the only two blocks in which the Chiefs have been involved recently.

Sep 28, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Ashton Gillotte (97) leaves the field against the Baltimore Ravens after game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

“You work on protection,” special teams coordinator Dave Toub said Thursday. “I mean, we've had some issues where, looked like we had some leakage. And we've got lucky a couple times.”

Whether lucky or good, the Chiefs have somehow been immune to the scourge of blocked kicks this season. According to Warren Sharp, the 15 combined blocked field goals and extra points across the NFL this year are the most through Week 6 since 2009.

15 blocked FG/XP this year

most thru week 6 in the last 16 years (2009)

here's why:https://t.co/KOACFSgbKh pic.twitter.com/hhe5jBQkbS

— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) October 14, 2025

The last time

The last time the Chiefs allowed a blocked kick was Jan. 1, 2023, vs. Denver, Harrison Butker’s 51-yard field-goal attempt.

“You just got to nip it in the bud,” Toub said. “When you see a problem happening, you got to correct it. And that's what you do.

“And then Butker, he does a good job getting that ball up. So, if you do have a leakage, he can clean it up by how high he hits the ball. So, that helps as well.”

Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker (7) makes a field goal against the Cardinals during a preseason game at State Farm Stadium on Aug. 9, 2025, in Glendale. | Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The other factor in block prevention, Toub added, is the speedy motion of punter Matt Araiza, which also shaves milliseconds off opponents’ ability to block the left-footer.

It’s been even longer since the Chiefs allowed a blocked punt, nearly six years. It was Dec. 8, 2019, at New England. The last time a Kansas City player blocked an opponent punt was Damien Williams against Colquitt’s brother, Britton, Nov. 4, 2018, at Cleveland.

Sep 28, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Josh Blackwell (39) celebrates after the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images | Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

The Raiders, on the other hand, are painfully familiar with blocked kicks. Just three weeks ago at Allegiant Stadium, they sustained their own Leo Chenal moment when Bears cornerback Josh Blackwell blocked Daniel Carlson’s 54-yard attempt with 38 seconds left. Chicago escaped with a 25-24 victory.

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