Travis Kelce has started the 2024 with a slow start, at least by his standards. His eight catches are the lowest number he’s had in his first three games since he took over as the Kansas City Chiefs’ starting tight end. So, are his coach and quarterback worried?
Both Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and franchise quarterback Patrick Mahomes are defending the nine-time Pro Bowler. Speaking to the press on Wednesday (Sept. 25), both said Kelce’s slow start is because the teams they’ve played have been very determined to contain the tight end, knowing that Kelce is a threat.
Andy Reid: ‘Travis is Fine’
“I know people are saying that he’s old, or whatever, has distractions and all this. The defenses don’t think that,” Reid said regarding Kelce. “We have another receiver that plays opposite him that has a lot of yards and catches, and that’s how this thing goes. Travis is fine.”
The receiver Reid is talking about is Rashee Rice, who’s having a great season. Rice has 24 catches, 288 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Entering Week 4, Rice ranks first in the NFL with 24 catches.
Mahomes praised Rice, speaking to press.
“He’s been more versatile this year. He’s able to run more and more routes, and then the way he’s able to catch the ball and make stuff happen after the catch. He’s a hard guy to tackle,” Mahomes said of Rice. “I think it helps that the speed out there is kind of helping spread out the field for him. And then there’s a lot of attention on Travis. When he’s getting those one-on-one matchups, he’s winning, and that’s, that’s all you can ask for a guy. And he seems like he’s getting better and better each and every week.”
Regarding Kelce, Mahomes said, “I feel like I want to get him the ball more. Whereas he’s just like, ‘I just want to win, man. I don’t care. I’ll run these routes and take guys with me so that other guys can get open.'”
So, the Chiefs’ competitors are trying to contain Kelce, but the Chiefs know Kelce has helped on the field even if it doesn’t mean scoring points.
Patrick Mahomes: ‘Travis Will Eat’
“We understand he’s an important part of this offense, and we want to make sure that we’re still featuring him. But at the same time, if defenses are going to take away him, we’ll give the ball to other guys and let them make plays,” Mahomes said.
He added, “But as the season goes on, if we continue to show that we’re going to throw it to Rashee (Rice) and we’re going to throw it to these other guys and they are gonna make plays, teams are gonna have to do those one on one match ups, and that’s when Travis will eat.”
Jason Kelce, Travis’ brother, also supports him.
“It’s going to go your way, especially if you freaking keep being the guy you’ve always been,” Jason said. “There ain’t nobody that I’ve ever played spots with or anybody I’ve been on a team with that has loved being out there with Travis more. I know it’s frustrating for me to watch and have to listen to but I can’t wait f—— wait for it to turn.”