To say Travis Kelce is off to a slow start statistically is an understatement.
Through three games, he has a total of just eight receptions for 69 yards and zero touchdowns. Head coach Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes have both come out in defense of Kelce, reminding everyone that the reason Kelce has not seen more production is that opposing defenses have been double-teaming him on a pretty regular basis.
“Travis is fine, he just keeps being Travis,” Reid emphasized. “He works his tail off, he hasn’t lost a step, he is not distracted, that is not the case. [Defenses] are making sure they have him taken care of.”
“He collects people,” Reid continued. “You have the check downs like we had last week in these big games, like (tight end) Noah [Gray], standing in the middle of the field by himself, [Rashee] being able to get one-on-one situations, Travis knows it. He literally came off the field and goes, ‘Just keep dialing them up, and let them do that.’”
Having Kelce “taken care of” is never more apparent than when the Chiefs are in the red zone. On Friday afternoon, reporters asked Kelce how he was handling his lack of targets near the goal line.
“I don’t care,” replied Kelce with conviction. “As long as we’re scoring touchdowns in the red zone, that’s all I care about. I’m trying to get that ball in that end zone, and I think that’s the ultimate goal— whoever’s getting targeted, we just got to come up big.”
In addition, Kelce said that he understands that with the Chiefs’ weapons, not every pass can go his way, especially if defenses continue to key in on him.
“I think I’m fortunate I’ve had the success I’ve had in the past,” Kelce admitted, saying that he has faith in quarterback Patrick Mahomes to make the correct decision of who to throw the ball to on the field. “I got all the trust in 1-5 to make the right decision. And he’s been making great decisions.”
It’s not just Kelce who has been struggling to put up statistical numbers; Mahomes has been struggling as well. Kelce said that part of the issue is that teams are playing the Chiefs a little bit differently than they did last year.
“With the pieces that we have, teams that are playing us a little bit different than they were last year,” said Kelce. “I think you’re seeing teams early on play a little bit softer, making us drive an entire way down the field… and I think Pat’s doing a great job of getting the ball in everyone’s hand.”
Turning the offense around is not a new concept to Kelce. Late last season, the team flipped the switch in the playoffs and went on a run that culminated with winning Super Bowl LVIII/
“I think there is that that a bit of understanding of we’re going to have to keep working and we’re not where we want to be,” admitted Kelce. “There’s a sense of urgency throughout the week to get things right for the opponent that we’re playing. And then on top of that, when we’re watching the games in review, we’re just nonstop trying to critique ourselves to get better.”
Reinforcements are arriving
The offense’s turnaround may happen sooner than we expect, thanks to the return of two familiar faces to the red and gold. The Chiefs have officially elevated running back Kareem Hunt to the 53-man roster ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. They also signed tight end Jody Fortson to the practice squad this week.
When asked about what he expected from his two new (and old) teammates, Kelce said he was excited about the chance to play with Hunt again.
“He’s my brother from another,” quipped Kelce. “He’s a good old northeast Ohio ballplayer right there, man. He plays the game, and he really is a good friend of mine. He’s a great guy, outside of everything that happened… [I’m] just happy to have the guy back in the building, and it’s been nothing but smiles and laughs since he’s been back— I’m excited to see him go out there on Sunday.”
As for Fortson, Kelce said that the offense missed his fellow tight end.
“He comes right in, still working as hard as he’s ever worked — still trying to prove himself — just getting better, constantly getting better… he’s been working his tail off trying to get ingrained into this offense and understand just the little nuances here and there.”
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