kansascity
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker endured one of the more eventful weeks of his professional career, capped by another critical missed kick in Sunday's 28-24 defeat to the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Butker converted his first four attempts of the game—three extra points and a 45-yard field goal—but with Kansas City clinging to a 24-21 lead in the fourth quarter, he pushed a 54-yard try wide right. The miss not only cost the Chiefs a chance to extend their lead but also gave Denver possession at its own 44-yard line. The Broncos then needed just two plays to cover 56 yards for the game-winning touchdown.
"Just missed it," Butker said. "Didn't even give it a chance. Just off the toe. Bad miss."
The missed kick came amid a turbulent week for Butker, as the Chiefs signed veteran kicker Justin Tucker to their practice squad on Wednesday. The move provides Kansas City with an additional option and introduces fresh competition for Butker, who has struggled recently. In the previous week's loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Butker missed two field goals and later said he tends to struggle when he swings too hard. However, he indicated that wasn't the issue in Denver.
"No, I don't know," he said. "It's just—when I say bad miss, like just completely missed the ball. Didn't even give it a chance. I didn't feel good off the foot. Just, it's not good."
Despite the presence of Tucker, Butker said the week leading up to Sunday's game may have included one of his best practice sessions. "Justin's been great," Butker said. "I enjoyed talking with him and getting to know him a little bit more. So it was a good week of practice, but it doesn't matter. You've got to make them in the game."
Given his season-long struggles, Butker said he tries not to dwell on his confidence level. "I try to focus on every kick, one kick at a time," he said. "Had the extra points and that field goal, but just a really bad miss on the 54 or whatever it was."
Key Analysis
Butker's miss proved costly, as it gave the Broncos favorable field position that they quickly converted into the game-winning score. The Chiefs' decision to sign Tucker, who reportedly made all 30 of his kicks during a tryout, according to special teams coordinator Dave Toub, signals that the team is exploring alternatives. It remains to be seen whether Kansas City will pivot to Tucker or stick with Butker, whose recent performance has raised questions about his reliability.
Originally reported by kansascity.