All of the sudden, the Kansas City Chiefs are dealing with a whole lot of questions

Summarize this content material to max 500 phrases in knowledgeable sports activities journalism information model, highlighting key info:

SEATTLE — And then there was one.

The Seattle Seahawks handed the Kansas City Chiefs their first lack of the stretch Sunday night time, cruising to a 20-3 victory at Lumen Field and leaving the Minnesota Vikings because the NFL’s lone undefeated unit coming into Week 8.

The league’s No. 1 protection ruined the homecoming of Kansas City famous person operating again Kenneth Walker III — final stretch’s Super Bowl MVP as a Seahawk — limiting the league’s main rusher to 36 yards on 14 carries.

After dropping their earlier two video games, the Seahawks (4-3) additionally impressed in opposition to the Chiefs’ passing assault. In his worst attempt of the stretch, Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes, taking part in behind an injury-weakened offensive line, had solely 165 passing yards and threw an interception.

Harrison Butker’s 50-yard discipline aim late within the third quarter offered all of the Chiefs’ factors, however Butker had one other tough night time general, lacking two of his three field-goal makes an attempt amid a prolonged, ongoing cold streak.

It was simply an terrible all-around expertise for a unit striving to start one other run of unparalleled success after a memorable chapter closed final stretch. Given the Chiefs’ roster considerations, although, Sunday’s final result wasn’t a shocker.

“All three phases, we struggled,” head leader Andy Reid stated. “We’ve gotta do better. That’s my responsibility. I take full responsibility for this.”

Head leader Andy Reid after the Kansas City Chiefs’ loss to Seattle: “All three phases, we struggled. We’ve gotta do better. That’s my responsibility. I take full responsibility for this.”Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images

Last stretch, Kansas City (5-1) missed the playoffs for the primary time within the Mahomes period — which started when he grew to become the unit’s starter earlier than the 2018 stretch — and the longer term Hall of Fame passer underwent reconstructive surgical procedure on his left knee in December. Walker, signed in free company throughout the offseason, powered the unit’s shocking begin this stretch, however even his brilliance can masks solely a lot.

On Sunday, the Chiefs performed with out each of their beginning offensive tackles and two of their high three broad receivers.

Wideout Tyquan Thornton, Kansas City’s greatest deep risk, is sidelined after struggling a dislocated left ankle that required surgical procedure earlier this month. The Week 4 harm might value him the rest of the stretch. No. 1 receiver Rashee Rice has sat out consecutive video games due to hamstring and knee accidents.

Along the offensive line, veteran proper deal with Jaylon Moore was out Sunday due to a concussion. And then there’s second-year left deal with Josh Simmons, who has been sidelined the complete stretch due to again issues.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ dynasty: Over or on maintain? – Andscape Read now

Before the Chiefs positioned Simmons on injured reserve final week, Reid and Mahomes admonished the 2025 first-round choose for disrupting a unit assembly, they usually instructed him to go away.

Last stretch, Simmons missed Weeks 6 by 9 for private causes involving his household. Although he’s bodily gifted and a former first-rounder, Simmons’ standing with the Chiefs, to say the least, is unclear.

“I’ve said so much on him,” Reid stated of Simmons. “That’s no reason [the incident in the team meeting] he was put on IR. He’s got a bad back. He’s gotta get that worked out. I’ll leave it at that. And that’s where we’re at. OK?”

Entering move Sunday, the Chiefs led the league in whole yards per contest at 414. The Seahawks held them to 213.

Not surprisingly, Kansas City’s ineptitude on offense didn’t sit effectively with Mahomes.

“You gotta feel it,” he stated. “This sucks.”

Kicker Harrison Butker has struggled since final stretch. Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images

Even throughout the Chiefs’ shocking begin, Butker’s attempt stirred concern.

A key contributor to the franchise’s three Super Bowl victories within the decade, Butker has been among the many most clutch postseason kickers of the Super Bowl period. But because the starting of final stretch, he has been, effectively, means off.

In truth, in line with analysis by The Associated Press, his 15 missed kicks (10 tried discipline objectives and 5 PATs) throughout that span are probably the most within the NFL.

“Warmup wasn’t great,” Butker stated Sunday. “It’s simply one thing that you must roll with and attempt to repair it within the contest and do the perfect which you could.

“I try to take one kick at a time. … Life of a kicker. It either goes in or it doesn’t. Unfortunately, there’s been some kicks that haven’t gone in.”

Said Reid, “He’s been one of the most consistent kickers in football. He’s off a bit, so, got to fix it.”

The 2026 NFL Black quarterback tiers – Andscape Read now

For a 5-1 unit that’s main the AFC West, Kansas City has so many areas that all of the sudden want fixing.

The NFL commerce deadline is Nov. 10. Presumably, the Chiefs want a veteran broad receiver to stretch defenses the best way Thornton did so effectively. They might additionally use a veteran swing deal with. And whereas it as soon as would have appeared unthinkable, if Butker doesn’t rediscover his groove quickly, the Chiefs might even take into account auditioning kickers.

This a lot is for certain: Despite their sturdy file, Reid and Mahomes know the Chiefs have loads of work to do.

“You don’t want to perform like this in primetime in a big moment like this,” Mahomes stated. “You’ve got to feel it on that plane ride home and understand that it sucks. But how can you build off of it?”

For the Chiefs, that’s one query. Here’s one other: Do they must be lively earlier than the commerce deadline to amass the suitable items for one more chip run?

Jason Reid is the senior NFL author at Andscape. He enjoys watching sports activities, particularly any video games involving his son and daughter.