Chiefs Lose 16-15 to Buccaneers Despite Harrison Butker's 69-Yard Field Goal

Kansas City lost 16-15 to Tampa Bay in a Week 2 preseason game decided by a single missed extra point, with Patrick Mahomes never appearing in the box score at all. The game turned into a showcase for a big leg and one very efficient young receiver.

Harrison Butker hit a 69-yarder, and it still wasn't enough

Butker made three field goals, including a 69-yarder, but a missed extra point after Emmett Johnson's rushing touchdown (seven carries, 25 yards) turned out to be the exact margin of the loss. A game decided by one point after a missed PAT is the kind of chaotic finish that shows up more in preseason than the regular season, but Butker's leg itself was real.

Jalen Royals converted every target he saw

Royals turned six targets into six catches for 51 yards, a perfect conversion rate and the clearest volume signal among Kansas City's receivers in a game where Patrick Mahomes never took a snap.

Baker Mayfield's cameo was brief; Justin Fields and Jalon Daniels did the real work

Mayfield's entire appearance was two completions on four attempts for 10 yards, a 56.2 rating — a true token cameo. Justin Fields ran Kansas City's offense with real efficiency (9 of 12, 64 yards, sacked twice, an 86.8 rating), while Jalon Daniels was even sharper for Tampa Bay: 9 of 14 for 71 yards and a touchdown, a 100.6 rating. Garrett Nussmeier got the extended run for Kansas City (9 of 17, 74 yards, 64.3 rating).

What to do with this

Jalen Royals' perfect target conversion and Harrison Butker's leg are the two real, specific things worth remembering from a one-point loss decided by special teams. Check the rookie rankings to see where Royals currently sits, and use the best ball tool to see how Tampa Bay's backup quarterback competition is being priced heading into the season. Full box score: ESPN.