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.

Pete Carroll Unveils Detailed Plan to Strengthen Raiders' Defense, Aims to Enhance Consistency and Aggressiveness for Improved Performance

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll has shared his strategic vision to help bolster the defense of the Las Vegas Raiders. Known for his defensive expertise, Carroll’s plan is aimed at enhancing the Raiders' defensive unit and providing them with the tools they need to improve their performance moving forward.

“I’ve spent a lot of time evaluating the defense and looking at the areas that need improvement,” Carroll said in a recent interview. “The Raiders have a lot of talent, but it’s about getting them to play more consistently and making sure they’re all on the same page. There are some key areas where we can provide support and help the defense reach its full potential.”

Carroll's plan involves a combination of refining individual player skills, improving defensive schemes, and fostering better communication across the defense. His approach focuses on creating a more aggressive and dynamic defense, with a strong emphasis on adaptability and speed.

“I’m a firm believer in a defense that can adjust to anything,” Carroll continued. “We’ll be working on a system that allows the Raiders to be more versatile, more unpredictable, and more aggressive in key situations. This defense has the potential to be something special, and we’re going to make sure they’re ready to take on whatever comes their way.”

The Raiders have struggled with consistency on defense in recent seasons, but with Carroll’s experience and success in building top-tier defensive units, the team is hopeful that his leadership will help turn things around. Carroll’s reputation as a defensive mastermind, particularly with the Seahawks, has raised expectations for the Raiders' defensive improvement.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the Raiders' defense to see how Carroll's plan translates to improved performance on the field. With a renewed focus and leadership, the Raiders are eager to see how far they can go in strengthening their defensive line and achieving greater success.