Just before halftime against the New York Jets, the Kansas City Chiefs gained 19 yards on two plays and kicked a 56-yard field goal for kicker Harrison Butker with seven seconds remaining. A failure on the right provoked groans – but also a flag; a call to the Jets gave Butker another chance to extend the lead, this time to just 51 yards.
When that kick was successful, marking his seventh missed field goal of the season, Chiefs fans made sure their displeasure was heard in thunderous boos.
It’s not just the two failures; Butker entered the game with the lowest field goal percentage among qualified active kickers (only former Los Angeles Rams kicker Harrison Mevis qualified with a lower rate). It is particularly ineffective on long-range kicks; he is now 2 of 8 on kicks of 50 yards or more this season.
The boos at Arrowhead Stadium represented the feelings of many people in Chiefs Kingdom. The team did not bring Butker out for another field goal attempt Sunday, although he made all five of his point-after attempts.
At the end of the match, CBS Reporter Tracy Wolfson pointed out the obvious: the team needs to seriously consider making the move and signing Justin Tucker to the active roster in Week 10.
She said special teams coordinator Dave Toub hopes Butker will compete 100 percent against the Jets, so a tough conversation could happen soon between the coaches and the longtime Kansas City kicker.
Gn sports
