2 weeks Ago
For years, Travis Kelce has been the straw that stirs the Kansas City Chiefs' drink on offense. After seven straight years of 1,000+ receiving yards, Kelce dipped below that last season. Cue for panic? Not really, considering Kelce was rested for the final regular season game, and he then raised his game for the playoffs.
But there might be a little concerned look on Chiefs fans' faces after the first two weeks of the new season. Why? Because Kelce has totaled just four catches for 39 yards. Despite Kelce struggling in the opening fortnight, Patrick Mahomes isn't worried about the All-Pro tight end.
“Obviously we've played two opponents [Ravens, Bengals] we've played a lot, so they have a plan on how they're going to account for Travis,” Mahomes said . “But as the season goes on, I mean, he's going to get his catches, he's going to get his yards, but the leader he is, what's special is he's hyping everybody up, he's keeping everybody motivated, and that's what you need out of your great players.” Denny Medley-Imagn Images It is early in the season, and the Chiefs have other weapons to utilize instead of Kelce, which eases the offensive burden on the aging tight end.
Rashee Rice, Justin Watson, Isiah Pacheco , and Xavier Worthy all played their part in the 26-25 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, with Kelce having just one catch for five yards. Having played against two AFC powerhouses who know Kelce inside and out, it is perhaps no wonder why he struggled, but it is early in the season, so no sweeping statements will be made. Related: Harrison Butker, Daijahn Anthony Save the Day in Chiefs Win Over Bengals But Kelce will want to start having an uptick in performance over the next couple of weeks, or there might be a conversation to be had.
He's got skins on the wall, so he's earned the right to fight through this little lull, and that is perhaps what scariest about this situation. The Chiefs have beaten both the Ravens and Bengals without Kelce being a factor. What happens when he finally gets going?.
