The Kansas City Chiefs are off to a perfect 3-0 start in the 2024 NFL season, yet their star tight end, Travis Kelce, has faced an unprecedented slow start statistically. Through the first three games, Kelce has caught only eight passes for 69 yards, marking the fewest receptions and receiving yards in any three-game stretch of his illustrious career.
The primary reason behind these subdued numbers lies in the defensive strategies employed by opposing teams. The respect for Kelce’s prowess on the field is immense, and it is reflected in how defenses have been scheming to contain him. Patrick Mahomes acknowledged this reality, saying, "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."
The Chiefs' star quarterback isn't deterred by the additional focus on Kelce. Instead, Mahomes believes that this intense scrutiny on one player could open up opportunities for others. "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 remarked.
Future Strategy
Head coach Andy Reid also weighed in on the situation. He noted that the targeted defensive schemes against Kelce are a testament to his impact. Reid highlighted the potential benefits this can have for other players on the roster: "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."
With promising rookies like wide receiver Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy being integrated into the offense, the Chiefs are adjusting their strategy. These emerging talents are seen as pivotal in taking some of the pressure off Kelce and diversifying the offensive threats available to Mahomes.
Kelce's Perspective
Despite his reduced statistical output, Kelce remains unfazed and focused on the bigger picture. "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 declared.
For Kelce, it's not about personal stats but about team success. "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?" he said candidly.
As the Chiefs prepare to face the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4, Kelce's track record against them offers a beacon of hope. Over his last five games against the Chargers, he's accumulated an impressive 40 receptions, 640 yards, and six touchdowns. This history suggests that even amid heavy defensive coverage, Kelce can rise to the occasion.
Outlook
The collective approach of the Chiefs underscores a commitment to adaptability and teamwork. For Mahomes and Kelce, the primary objective remains clear: executing plays to win football 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," emphasized Kelce.
While teams may continue to double team Kelce, the Chiefs' evolving offensive dynamics showcase the potential for other players to step up. With Mahomes orchestrating the offense and Reid devising strategies, Kansas City aims to remain one of the most formidable teams in the league. As young talents like Rice and Worthy gain more experience, the Chiefs' offense could become even more unpredictable and potent, ultimately benefiting all players involved, especially Kelce.