03/12/2025
Why Andy Reid Passed on the FG — and What It Cost the Chiefs Against the Cowboys
Kansas City found itself in perfect position to tie the game late in the third quarter, but instead of sending Harrison Butker out for a long field goal, Andy Reid opted to punt. Minutes later, Dallas tore off a 78-yard drive and took the lead for good — a sequence that ultimately defined the Chiefs’ 31–28 loss.
After the game, Reid didn’t dodge responsibility. He explained that he trusted his defense and liked the field-position tradeoff. In his words, it simply “didn’t work out,” and he took the blame squarely on himself.
The Chiefs’ Offense Hit a Cold Stretch
Things actually began well for Kansas City. They opened strong, controlled the early rhythm, and built a 14–7 advantage. But after halftime, the offense sputtered. Four straight drives ended in punts. By the time they regained good field position midway through the third quarter, a game that once felt manageable had turned tense.
That made the pivotal moment even more significant: fourth down in Dallas territory, a long but makeable field-goal attempt available — and Kansas City chose to punt. Instead of tying things up, they gave the Cowboys momentum that flipped the game’s energy entirely.
Reid’s Risk Calculus
Reid explained that he believed the punt would pin Dallas deep and help swing the field. He weighed the distance of the kick, the game flow, and how his defense had been performing. Under different circumstances, the logic might’ve held up.
This time, it didn’t. Dallas immediately marched 78 yards, flipped the scoreboard, and seized control. Reid openly called it a “turning point” — one that hangs even heavier given Kansas City’s razor-thin margin in the playoff race.
The Larger Issue: Penalties and Missed Details
The FG decision is the headline moment, but it wasn’t the only problem. Penalties continue to haunt the Chiefs, stalling drives and extending opponents’ possessions. Defensively, late pass-interference calls didn’t help. Offensively, stalled series and timing breakdowns added up.
Reid has said repeatedly that the difference between winning and losing this season has come down to “one or two plays.” This game was a clear example. Kansas City didn’t collapse — they simply let small mistakes pile up until they became too much to overcome.
What This Means Moving Forward
Reid’s accountability is notable, but so is the scrutiny over late-game decision-making.
The Chiefs must clean up discipline and ex*****on if they want to stay alive in the postseason chase.
This game may be remembered as one of those moments where a single decision — FG or punt — ended up defining an entire week, and possibly the season.
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