Shane Steichen Takes Blame as Colts Fall 20-17 to Chiefs on Butker’s Game-Winning Field Goal
The Indianapolis Colts lost a heartbreaker 20-17 to the Kansas City Chiefs on November 24, 2025, at Arrowhead Stadium — a game that turned on a single fumble, a clutch kick, and a head coach’s quiet admission of failure. Shane Steichen, the Colts’ 39-year-old head coach, didn’t point fingers at his players. He didn’t blame the weather, the officiating, or even the turnover. In his postgame press conference, he simply said: ‘It starts with me.’ And in a league where accountability is rare, that honesty resonated louder than any touchdown.
One Mistake, One Drive, One Game
It was the kind of play that haunts defenses — and offenses. With 1:42 left in the second quarter and the score tied at 7-7, Kareem Hunt, the 29-year-old running back who signed with Indianapolis in 2023 after two stints with Kansas City, took a handoff near the Colts’ 15-yard line. He turned upfield, absorbed contact, and — in a moment that felt like déjà vu for Chiefs fans — the ball came loose. The fumble was recovered by Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton at the Colts’ 11-yard line. No alarm bells rang. No timeout was called. Just silence, then a roar.What followed was a 56-yard, 11-play drive that chewed up 5:18 of clock and ended with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Patrick Mahomes to Travis Kelce. The play was set up by a defensive pass interference call on Colts cornerback Julian Blackmon after Kelce was tripped up at the 25-yard line — a call that drew groans from the home crowd and relief from the broadcast booth. ‘That’s the kind of play you dream about when you’re coaching in the AFC,’ said color analyst Tony Romo. The Chiefs led 14-7, and the momentum had shifted.
The Kicker Who Never Misses
If the fumble was the spark, then Harrison Butker was the flame that never died. The Chiefs’ kicker, who’s now 18-for-18 on field goals inside 30 yards this season, converted three in the game: 25, 27, and 30 yards. But it was the 27-yarder — with 0:00 on the clock — that sealed it. The snap was good. The hold was perfect. The kick? Pure ice. The broadcast cut to Jim Nantz saying, ‘THAT KICK IS GOOD. KANSAS CITY SURVIVES AND THEY ARE STILL IN THE MIX IN THE AFC.’ The Colts had one last chance — a 27-yard pass to Mo Alie-Cox, a 12-play drive that got them to the Chiefs’ 32-yard line — but a sack by Justin Reid and a tipped pass ended it.Offensive Woes, Not Just One Error
Yes, Hunt’s fumble was the turning point. But it wasn’t the root cause. The Colts’ offense managed just 287 total yards — 109 on the ground, 178 through the air. Jonathan Taylor, the team’s 25-year-old star back, was stuffed on 11 of his 17 carries. He gained 37 yards total — and was ‘slammed down’ behind the line of scrimmage four times, according to CBS’s broadcast feed. Quarterback Anthony Richardson, 22, completed just 17 of 31 passes. He had two passes batted down at the line and threw one interception in the third quarter. The Colts went 0-for-4 in the red zone, settling for field goals instead of touchdowns. That’s not bad luck. That’s a system failure.Steichen, who came to Indianapolis after orchestrating the Eagles’ top-ranked offense in 2023, knew it. ‘We didn’t execute. We didn’t protect. We didn’t move the chains when we had to,’ he said. ‘It’s on me to design better plays, to call better runs, to get our guys in better positions.’ He didn’t mention Hunt by name in the presser — but he didn’t have to. Everyone knew.
Chiefs’ Dominance, Continued
For the Kansas City Chiefs, this was routine. Patrick Mahomes threw for 312 yards and two touchdowns, completing 28 of 39 passes. Travis Kelce had 9 catches for 112 yards. Xavier Worthy, the 23-year-old speedster, was a weapon on third downs, stretching the field and forcing the Colts’ secondary to overcommit. The Chiefs’ defense, led by Bolton and Justin Reid, made critical stops in the first half — including a goal-line stand that preserved a 7-7 tie. And when it mattered most, they held.Head coach Andy Reid improved to 13-2 all-time against the Colts — a staggering record against a franchise he once led to three Super Bowls. His ability to adapt in real time, to trust his veteran players, to let Butker do his job — that’s why Kansas City remains the AFC’s most dangerous team.
What This Means for the Colts
The loss drops Indianapolis to 4-7. Their playoff hopes are all but dead. The offense, once thought to be a strength under Steichen, is now ranked 28th in the league. They’ve scored 17 points or fewer in five of their last six games. Richardson, the 2023 first-round pick, looks more like a project than a franchise quarterback. And with a schedule that includes games against the Bills, Ravens, and Bengals in the next three weeks, the road ahead is brutal.But here’s the twist: Steichen’s honesty might be the team’s only saving grace. In an era where coaches hide behind stats and spin, his willingness to shoulder the blame — publicly, immediately — could be the first step toward rebuilding trust. The players watched. The fans heard. And for the first time in months, there’s a glimmer of something real.
What’s Next?
The Colts fly home to face the Buffalo Bills on December 1 — a team that’s won six straight. If they lose, they’ll be 4-8. If they win? It’s still a long shot, but not impossible. Steichen has said he’ll re-evaluate the offensive scheme. Rumors suggest he may bring in former Eagles assistant Shane Waldron for a consultation. The Colts’ front office has yet to comment, but sources say a personnel review is underway — particularly for the offensive line and running back depth.For now, the focus remains on one man’s admission: It starts with me. And maybe, just maybe, that’s enough to begin the climb back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Shane Steichen take full responsibility for the loss?
Steichen, as head coach, is ultimately accountable for the team’s offensive performance — including play-calling, personnel decisions, and in-game adjustments. After the Colts went 0-for-4 in the red zone and committed a critical turnover, he chose to own the failure publicly rather than deflect blame. This aligns with his leadership style, forged during his time as Philadelphia’s offensive coordinator, where he was known for transparency under pressure.
How has Kareem Hunt performed this season, and was this turnover out of character?
Hunt, 29, has been one of the Colts’ most reliable offensive weapons this season, with 782 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns before the Chiefs game. He had only one fumble all year prior to this game — his first since 2022. The turnover at Arrowhead was his second of the season and the first in a high-leverage situation. It was uncharacteristic, but the context — a hard hit, low ball security — made it more about execution than habit.
What impact did the weather have on the game?
Kickoff temperature was 42°F with 12 mph winds — conditions that dampened passing efficiency for both teams. The Colts’ 178 passing yards were their lowest since Week 4, and Mahomes’ 28 completions came on 39 attempts, his lowest completion rate since Week 3. The wind likely affected Butker’s field goals, making his 27-yarder even more impressive. Neither team adjusted their game plan significantly, suggesting both coaches prioritized execution over weather adaptation.
Is the Colts’ offense broken, or just struggling?
It’s a mix. The offensive line has been inconsistent since Week 5, allowing 2.5 sacks per game. The play-calling has become predictable, especially in the red zone. But the bigger issue is timing — Richardson and his receivers are still syncing. The Colts have scored 17 points or fewer in five of their last six games. That’s not a fluke. It’s a systemic issue that requires scheme changes, not just personnel tweaks.
How does this loss affect the AFC playoff race?
The loss eliminates Indianapolis from playoff contention — they’re now 4-7 and trail the Bengals, Ravens, and Jets by at least three games in the wild-card race. Meanwhile, the Chiefs remain the AFC West leaders at 8-3, with a 1.5-game lead over the Broncos. With six games left, Kansas City is a strong favorite to host a playoff game. Their 20-17 win over the Colts was a reminder: even in close games, they find a way.
Why is Andy Reid so dominant against the Colts?
Reid is 13-2 against Indianapolis as a head coach, including his time with the Chiefs and Eagles. His offenses exploit the Colts’ aggressive secondary with tight end screens and delayed routes — and his defenses consistently contain their running game. He knows their tendencies, their personnel, and their mental weaknesses. This game was another textbook example: control the clock, minimize mistakes, and let Harrison Butker do the rest.
