Seahawks defense shuts down Chiefs' running game and limits scoring
The Seattle Seahawks handed the Kansas City Chiefs a 20-3 primetime loss, riding a defensive performance that repeatedly disrupted Kansas City's typically high-powered offense.
Seattle's unit, which entered the week as the league leader in total yards allowed, lived up to its recent "the Dark Side" reputation by choking off the Chiefs' rushing attack. Kenneth Walker—who had led the NFL in rushing yards per game (133) through six weeks and was making a return to his former Seattle stomping ground after joining Kansas City in the off-season—was held to 36 yards on 14 carries.
The Seahawks' approach kept Patrick Mahomes and the rest of the Chiefs' offense off rhythm, and Kansas City settled for just three points — tying the fewest they have scored in a game with Mahomes as their starting quarterback. Seattle's defense repeatedly forced Kansas City into uncomfortable down-and-distance situations, limiting explosive plays and collapsing running lanes.
Seattle finds balance on offense; Butker's misses loom large for Chiefs
Offensively, Seattle rode a clear plan of feeding its top playmakers. Quarterback Sam Darnold leaned heavily on Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who finished with 150 receiving yards and a touchdown. New running back Emanuel Wilson provided balance on the ground, compiling 100 rushing yards and a score to help control tempo and sustain drives.
Special teams drama underscored Kansas City's struggles. Veteran kicker Harrison Butker converted just 1-of-3 field-goal attempts, finishing with a 33.3% success rate; his lone make was a 50-yard field goal, while two misses proved costly. The most agonizing miss came early in the fourth quarter on a 45-yard attempt — trailing 13-3 at the time, a successful kick would have trimmed the deficit to a single possession — and the ball sailed wide right as Seattle pulled away late.
Clutch Points described head coach Andy Reid's postgame comments as a firm reality check, saying Reid's remarks highlighted growing concern over Butker’s early-season struggles. The outlet noted that Butker signed a lucrative extension in the offseason that made him one of the highest-paid kickers in the league and referenced his past postseason and long-range successes for Kansas City.
The result was a comprehensive team victory for Seattle: a defense that neutralized the Chiefs' strengths and an offense that converted opportunities into points. For Kansas City, the game offered a rare stretch of offensive ineffectiveness and a reminder that the margin for error remains thin—particularly when kicks are left off the board.
