Kansas City Chiefs’ star tight end Travis Kelce, widely regarded as one of the NFL’s greatest at his position, has had an unusually slow start to the 2024 season.

While the reigning Super Bowl champions remain undefeated with a 3-0 record, Kelce’s individual performance has been underwhelming, leaving fans and analysts speculating about the reasons behind the dip in his production.

Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs’ superstar quarterback, recently shed light on the situation, attributing Kelce’s struggles to intense defensive strategies.

Mahomes explained that opposing teams have been heavily targeting Kelce, often assigning multiple defenders to cover him in an effort to limit his impact on the game. This defensive attention, according to Mahomes, has been a significant factor in Kelce’s slow start.

“We’re calling a lot of plays for Travis, but it’s like two or three people are going to him every time,” Mahomes said in a post-game interview after the Chiefs’ 22-7 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Despite the win, Kelce managed only four catches for 30 yards—a rare occurrence for the typically dominant tight end. Cameras even caught Kelce looking frustrated on the sidelines, a moment that quickly went viral on social media.

Adding to the intrigue, Kelce’s girlfriend, pop sensation Taylor Swift, was absent from the game, leading some fans to wonder if her presence—or lack thereof—might be contributing to Kelce’s off-field frustrations. However, Mahomes made it clear that Kelce remains focused on the team’s success, even if his personal stats are not up to their usual standards.

“Travis understands the situation, and he’s all about the team,” Mahomes said. “People are really emphasizing trying to take him away, and it’s getting other guys open.”

Indeed, the Chiefs’ offense has adapted to these defensive schemes by spreading the ball to other players. Rising stars like wide receivers Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy, along with a strong running game, have stepped up in recent weeks, forcing defenses to spread their attention. Mahomes expressed confidence that as these players continue to perform, defenses will no longer be able to focus so heavily on Kelce, opening up more opportunities for him as the season progresses.

“We’re seeing other guys step up and make plays, and that’s going to force defenses to adjust,” Mahomes added.

While it’s been a frustrating start for the 34-year-old Kelce, who is chasing his fourth Super Bowl ring, Mahomes remains optimistic that his tight end will regain his rhythm as the season unfolds.

As the Chiefs prepare for the next stretch of their schedule, the question remains: Will the offense evolve to get Kelce back to his usual form, or will other players continue to steal the spotlight?

With the reigning Super Bowl champs navigating these early challenges, all eyes are on Kelce and the Chiefs as they continue their quest for another championship ring.