Important lessons learned from KC Chiefs victory over Jaguars

Harrison Butker can still be a hero

Specialists matter so much more when a team has a limited ceiling offensively, so it was no surprise to see Tommy Townsend and Harrison Butker play a much more important role in the way the Jaguars’ game against the Chiefs turned out in the AFC’s Divisional Round.

Once Mahomes went down with an ankle injury, the Chiefs had a very difficult time moving the chains on a consistent basis. Long drives were ultimately ruled out as the Chiefs went with a more conservative approach—relying on special teams and their defense to hold a slim lead at home that had been built. Fortunately, the Chiefs employ a kicker who has been a hero before and he rose to the occasion once again on Saturday.

Harrison Butker was terrific against the Jaguars and came up big for a team that needed every point on the scoreboard. Twice, the Chiefs had drives stall around midfield which forced the team to take a big swing, so to speak, and go for the long field goal. Twice, Butker converted field goal attempts of 50 yards or more to give the Chiefs six points. Those points would prove to be so important because they kept the Jags from creeping back into the game.

While Butker had his issues earlier this year with accuracy and injury, he’s been as steady a performer as any team has had at kicker and it’s nice to see him have these moments when they matter most.