Chiefs 3-Time Super Bowl Champion Starter Put on Blast: ‘Inexcusable’
The Kansas City Chiefs are on to Week 6, but the NFL world is still digesting the 2-3 start and the Week 5 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars — and kicker Harrison Butker is the latest KC starter to get called out for a glaring mistake.
“Harrison Butker hasn’t been a weapon for the Chiefs this season like we’ve seen in years past. He’s been an issue actually,” NFL insider James Palmer noted on X.
He then added that “the kick out of bounds was inexcusable for a kicker with his track record.”
On the final Jaguars touchdown drive in Week 5, Butker gave quarterback Trevor Lawrence and head coach Liam Coen a head start, handing them the ball at the 40-yard line with a kickoff that sailed out of bounds.
Lawrence then stormed down the field in short order, giving his team the lead with the botched snap scramble into the end zone.
Butker’s mistake aside, the defense was not good on the final Jacksonville possession. But that makes it easy to forget the kicking error.
Needless to say, the Chiefs need more from their three-time Super Bowl champion kicker and nine-year starter on special teams.
Errant Kickoff vs. Jaguars Is Just the Tip of the Iceberg for Chiefs Kicker Harrison Butker
Unfortunately, as Palmer stated, this is not an isolated incident for Butker. The typically steady and reliable kicker has been anything but in 2025.
Heading into Week 6, Butker has the second-worst field goal percentage of his career at a 76.9% completion rate. The only comparable campaign of his nine-year NFL tenure was the 2022 season, in which he finished with a 75.0% field goal rate.
Ironically, after helping KC win a Super Bowl after the 2022 campaign, Butker followed up his worst year with the best season of his career in 2023 — leading to another championship.
Butker connected on 94.3% of field goals in 2023, then regressed to 84.0% last year.
At age 30, he’s already missed 3 field goals and 2 extra points in 2025. Factor in the critical kickoff out of bounds, and it’s probably the worst start to a season that Butker has ever had.
The question is, what’s the issue? And what can Butker do to get himself back on track?
Chiefs Cannot Afford Any Kicking Mistakes in Week 6
Similar to last week against the Jaguars, the Chiefs will have no room for error in Week 6, facing the Detroit Lions.
Detroit sits atop the NFC at 4-1, alongside the Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They are not some surprise revelation; they are one of the top Super Bowl contenders in the game with as complete an offense as you’ll find.
The Lions‘ weakness is their defense, especially after some recent injuries. So, this could be a game where KC has to put up as many points as possible to come out victorious.
Obviously, if points are involved, so is Butker. Whether it’s a field goal try or an extra point, the Chiefs need a bounce-back outing from Butker in Week 6 against a formidable Lions opponent.
The veteran kicker did not attempt a field goal in Week 5, going 4-for-4 on his extra point opportunities. The only major mistake was the final kickoff, but little things like that — or a missed kick — are enough to swing a game against a team like Detroit.
Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels Leads the Charge as Team Eyes Playoff Push
Washington, D.C. – As the 2025 NFL season reaches its midpoint, the Washington Commanders are looking to solidify their place among the league's top teams. With a 3–2 record and impressive individual performances, the Commanders have been steadily climbing the NFL power rankings. Key to this resurgence has been the return of quarterback Jayden Daniels, who, after a brief injury hiatus, has re-energized the team’s offense.
A Strong Comeback for Daniels
Daniels, the Commanders' dynamic dual-threat quarterback, made his highly anticipated return in Week 5 after missing two games due to injury. Despite the absence, Washington managed to stay competitive, and Daniels' comeback against the Los Angeles Chargers was nothing short of remarkable. Leading the Commanders to a 27–10 victory, Daniels threw for 255 yards and rushed for 72 yards, adding a touchdown in both categories. His performance earned an impressive 85.9 overall PFF grade, reflecting his efficient and poised play under pressure.
"I’ve worked hard to get back, and it felt great to get back out there with the guys," Daniels said post-game. "We’re just getting started. Our defense has been stepping up, and now it’s my turn to lead this offense. We know what we’re capable of, and we’re not stopping until we take this team to the next level. Watch out for us in Week 6, because we’re ready to make some noise."
Rising Stars on Both Sides of the Ball
While Daniels is undoubtedly the focal point of the offense, other standout performances have bolstered the team’s overall success. Rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt has been a revelation, rushing for 111 yards and two touchdowns against the Chargers, showcasing both his power and vision. Croskey-Merritt’s ability to grind out tough yards has provided the perfect complement to Daniels' explosiveness.
On defense, the Commanders have found stability and leadership in veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner. With 14 tackles against the Chargers, Wagner continues to be one of the league’s top tacklers, providing both mentorship and consistency to a young defense. His performance, alongside strong showings from defensive backs such as Kendall Fuller, has made Washington’s defense one of the most feared in the NFC.
Looking Ahead
The Commanders now turn their attention to their Week 6 matchup against the Chicago Bears, a critical game that could determine their position in the NFC East. With both the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles showing strong early-season form, Washington’s playoff aspirations depend on maintaining momentum. With Jayden Daniels at the helm, the team is confident they can make a legitimate push for the postseason.
Head coach Ron Rivera has remained optimistic about the team’s prospects. "Jayden’s leadership and the chemistry we’re building on both sides of the ball is what we need," Rivera said. "Our goal is to take it one game at a time, but if we continue playing like this, we’ll be in the mix come December."
As the Commanders prepare for the Bears, one thing is certain: they’ve got the talent and determination to compete with the best in the league. Daniels’ return, coupled with strong contributions from rookies and veterans alike, has made Washington a team to watch as the season progresses.
