Deja Vu for Chiefs: Butker’s last-minute kick tops Bengals in thrilling finish

By Calvin Silvers

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow entered Sunday’s afternoon contest against the Kansas City Chiefs with a 3-1 record over Patrick Mahomes, with fans even calling Arrowhead, “Burrowhead.”

It was another contest in this AFC rivalry, and once again came down to a final-minute score. It was Deja Vu for Chiefs’ kicker Harrison Butker as he lined up for the game-winning 51-yard field goal, as flashbacks on the 2022-23 AFC Championship ran vivid.

Kicking in the same direction against the same opponent, Butker would seal a Chiefs’ win, this time with a 26-25 victory.

“Until you don’t have the time, until it hits zero, there’s a chance that you can win the football game,” Mahomes said. “We’ve done that in so many different ways and so we’re prepared.”

“I can’t say enough about Butker and that kick,” head coach Andy Reid said. “You know, he’s so reliable and we just appreciate how he goes about his business.”

It wasn’t smooth sailing for the Chiefs’ offense in this one, as Mahomes had an uncharacteristically rough night, throwing two interceptions alongside two touchdowns. He wouldn’t make the only mistake, as Carson Steele also coughed up a fumble.

Despite Kansas City losing the turnover battle 3-1, head coach Andy Reid emphasized that this game needs to be a lesson learned for his team, a message Mahomes echoed.

“The three turnovers just can’t happen,” Mahomes said. “The first interception I got off on the backside linebacker and I mean, the kid made a great play on the second pick, but I’m glad we played not as clean as we wanted to and still found a way to win.”

One missing piece was Travis Kelce, who was effectively contained Sunday afternoon, with the Bengals holding the future hall of fame tight end to just one reception for five yards.

However, Mahomes said there is no need for concern just yet.

“Obviously, we played two opponents that we’ve played a lot, they have a plan on how they’re going to account for Travis,” Mahomes said. “As the season goes on, I mean, he’s going to get his catches.”

Chamarri Conner tallied a touchdown with a returned fumble, going 37 yards for a touchdown, and big offensive tackle Wanya Morris had a touchdown reception on a bizarre play.

It was the second win for Kansas City decided on the final play after its 27-20 victory over Baltimore on opening night.