One of the main narratives surrounding the Kansas City Chiefs two weeks into the 2024 NFL season is Travis Kelce’s underwhelming performance thus far.
But the tight end isn’t placing the blame on head coach Andy Reid or quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
In an interview with his brother Jason for their podcast, “New Heights,” the 34-year-old stated unequivocally that he is solely responsible for his low performance in his two games with the Chiefs in 2024.
After just four receptions for 39 yards in the first two weeks of the 2024 NFL season, Kelce declared, “I put that on me.””I need to get that fixed because I didn’t play my best, and if you don’t fix it, it spreads.”
The three-time Super Bowl champion with the Chiefs was only targeted seven times by Mahomes this season and was limited to just one reception for five yards against the Cincinnati Bengals. Still, Kelce made it clear to everyone that the quarterback is not to blame for this.
On November 26, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada, head coach Andy Reid and Kansas City Chiefs #87 Travis Kelce watch during the second quarter of a game versus the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium.
“The correct play, the right coverage, and everyone performing their duties both up front and down the field in terms of running their routes are all necessary if you want to catch the football. ..It hasn’t gone that way for me these last two games, for whatever reason. Football is that,” Kelce remarked.
Travis Kelce reassures Reid that he can manage frustrating circumstances
Many are curious about how Kelce is handling this predicament and how long the Chiefs star will be able to take it without losing patience given his startlingly low stats. A few months prior, after Reid was pulled during Super Bowl LVIII, a visibly enraged Kelce shoved him. The tight end promised not to get upset with Reid again since he understands that his competitive mentality can be a double-edged sword.
Kelce remarked, “I’m not going to sit here and get frustrated about it.””Knowing that I demand that of myself, I used to become really, really angry and nearly lose my cool for not having that success.
“I simply enjoy playing the game at such a high level that I find it difficult to accept mediocrity or stats that reflect that.”Going ahead, the only question is, “How can I improve at those times? What is the problem? “Am I not leaving my routes quickly enough?” or “Whatever the circumstance may be.”
Travis Kelce #87 and Head coach Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs look on in the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Mahomes predicts that Kelce’s numbers will shortly rise
Mahomes is aware that he hasn’t had as much success with his preferred weapon this season, but it’s not for want of desire. The Chiefs quarterback claims that his opponents are keeping him from connecting with Kelce as frequently as he would like.
Mahomes remarked, “They’re doing a great job of just kind of having two people for him pretty much the whole game.” “This explains why players like Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy have been able to succeed. For example, in the first touchdown, which I am referring to as Trav Kelce, the backside safety crosses the entire field to assist Trav, and then you pass the ball to Rashee down the sideline, which is a typical tactic.”
Mahomes thinks this won’t last long, despite Kelce’s poor season statistics: “Obviously, we’ve played two opponents that we’ve played a lot, so they have a plan on how they’re going to account for Travis.”He will eventually acquire his catches and yards as the season progresses. The unique quality in him as a leader is his ability to excite and motivate everyone, which is exactly what you need from your outstanding players.
