Kansas City Chiefs placekicker Harrison Butker struggled during the team’s 20-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday night, missing two out of his three field goal attempts. The performance prompted head coach Andy Reid to address the kicker’s recent slump following the game.
Costly Misses Against Seattle
Butker’s first error occurred late in the second quarter after cornerback Nohl Williams returned an interception 65 yards to give Kansas City favorable field position. Facing a 10-0 deficit, Butker attempted a 58-yard field goal just before halftime, but the kick fell short. Although he later converted a 50-yard attempt in the third quarter, Butker failed on a crucial 45-yard kick with under nine minutes remaining in regulation, pushing it wide right when a make would have pulled the Chiefs within seven points.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Reid acknowledged Butker’s overall track record while emphasizing the need for correction. “He’s been one of the most consistent kickers in football,” Reid said postgame. “He’s off a bit, so gotta fix it.”
Recent Statistical Slump
According to research from CBS Sports, Butker has struggled significantly from long distance this season, making only 33.3% of his kicks from 50 yards or more by going 2-for-6. Since the start of last season, he has missed 10 field goals and five extra-point attempts. His 15 total missed kicks during that stretch represent the highest mark in the NFL, costing Kansas City 35 points in total.
The recent difficulties contrast with Butker’s playoff history in 2023 and 2024, when he went perfect by converting all 15 field goal attempts and 13 extra points. However, with the Chiefs pursuing a return to the postseason, his ongoing accuracy issues present a pressing challenge for the team’s championship ambitions.
