45 yards: Butker's miss caps 20-3 Chiefs rout in Seattle

Kansas City Chiefs fans watched their team lose by 17 points on Sunday night in Seattle, a defeat that left them with just three points on the board. The final score of 20-3 marked a sharp drop in performance for a squad that began the season 4-0.

The margin of victory narrowed briefly with eight and a half minutes remaining when kicker Harrison Butker failed to convert a 45-yard field goal attempt. That miss, his second of the evening, prevented the Chiefs from turning the game into a one-possession contest. The Seahawks, the reigning Super Bowl champions, capitalized on the error to secure the win.

Butker's struggles have compounded over the past two seasons. He has now missed 15 total kicks, consisting of 10 field goals and five extra points, the highest total in the league. Coach Andy Reid noted that While Butker has historically been reliable, he is currently off his usual mark. Reid acknowledged that the team must correct this inconsistency.

The broader offensive output was also lacking. The Chiefs managed only 213 total yards and 50 rushing yards. They converted just three of 11 third-down attempts and controlled the ball for nearly 11 minutes less than their opponents. Seattle's defense limited Patrick Mahomes, who faced constant pressure throughout the game.

Financial stakes are involved for Butker, who holds the third-highest kicker salary in the NFL. His base salary is the sixth highest on the Chiefs roster. The team can release him after this season with manageable dead money, creating pressure for him to improve his consistency.

Defensive back Nohl Williams provided a bright spot with a 65-yard interception return in the first half. However, the Chiefs allowed 410 yards to Seattle, including 153 on the ground. Quarterback Sam Darnold converted 11 of 16 third-down attempts for the home team.

The Chiefs drop to 5-1 and travel to Denver next week to face the Broncos, a team they beat 31-10 in the season opener. Denver has won its last three games, including a 17-14 victory over the Seahawks.