The Kansas City Chiefs have started the 2024 NFL season on a high note, boasting a 3-0 record. However, this strong performance has come despite an unusually quiet stretch from their star tight end, Travis Kelce. Through the first three games, Kelce has caught just eight passes for 69 yards, marking the fewest receptions and receiving yards in any three-game span of his illustrious career.
Opposing teams seem to have zeroed in on Kelce, with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes acknowledging the unparalleled defensive attention his favorite target is facing. "It's crazy because teams still -- the respect factor they have for Travis is just unreal. It's well-deserved. We're calling a lot of plays for Travis and it's like two or three people are going to him," Mahomes remarked. This focused defensive effort has forced Mahomes and the Chiefs' coaching staff to adapt their strategy.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has also observed the heightened defensive schemes aimed at Kelce. "They're working hard at taking Kelce out of the picture. If they're doing that, Rashee is going to get a lot of catches and (Kelce) knows that. Some time that will level off," Reid noted. The emergence of rookie wide receiver Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy is seen as vital to easing the pressure on Kelce and diversifying the offense.
Mahomes remains optimistic about the opportunities this defensive focus can create for other players. "I'm gonna try to do my best to keep feeding him the ball whenever he's there, whenever he's open. I think the more Rashee makes plays, the more we're able to run the football, the more we can get Worthy involved, I think that's going to open Travis up more. People are really emphasizing trying to take him away and that's getting other guys open," Mahomes shared.
Despite the increased defensive attention, Kelce's team-first mentality remains steadfast. "He understands -- that's the great thing about him is he wants to make an impact on the game, but he wants to win at the end of the day," said Mahomes. Kelce himself has echoed this sentiment, placing the team's success above his own stats. "It's football, baby. Like, I'm not getting caught up in getting the targets and all that. I just want to have a successful offense. I think Pat's doing a great job of finding the open guy and making the right decisions right now," Kelce stated.
Looking ahead to Week 4, the Chiefs will face the Los Angeles Chargers, a team Kelce has historically dominated. In his last five matchups against the Chargers, Kelce has racked up 40 receptions, 640 yards, and six touchdowns. With such a track record, there is hope that he can break out of this uncharacteristic slump.
"It's a new offense, new players, new pieces, and we're just finding how to have success throughout the season. I've had a lot of catches in this league, man. I'm not worried about the catches and the yards and all of that. I have the most fun when I get the ball thrown my way. I mean, who doesn't?" Kelce mentioned, asserting that the team’s overarching aim is to execute and win games. "It has everything to do with execution, just making sure that we're doing whatever we can to win these football games, man. That's always going to be the goal," he added.
The Chiefs' early season success, despite the added defensive pressure on Kelce, speaks volumes about the team's depth and adaptability. As Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid, and Travis Kelce continue to prioritize teamwork and strategic adjustments, Kansas City fans can remain optimistic about their prospects for the season. The upcoming game against the Chargers presents an ideal opportunity for Kelce to remind everyone why he's one of the league's premier tight ends, while also showcasing the evolution of the Chiefs' offensive arsenal.