In the early stages of the 2024 NFL season, the spotlight has been on Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end Travis Kelce. Despite facing criticism for his low production, both Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid have come to his defense, emphasizing their trust in him. It’s clear that Kelce’s performance has sparked conversations, but the support from his teammates has been unwavering.
Kelce’s lateral passes with the Chiefs this year
As the season progresses, Kelce has showcased his creativity on the field, particularly with his lateral passes. In Week 5 against the New Orleans Saints, he executed a trick play that caught everyone’s attention. The tight end’s lateral pass allowed running back Samaje Perine to keep the drive alive, converting a crucial third-and-10 situation into a first down. This clever play not only highlighted Kelce’s football IQ but also demonstrated his ability to adapt under pressure.
Reid and Mahomes have expressed their approval of these unconventional plays, as long as they result in completions. Reid stated, “He’s been doing it for a few years. We do it in practice every day – you guys see that, so you know this isn’t just something that we throw out there on game day. It’s something we do, so everything is okay with that just as long as you complete them.” This endorsement from the coaching staff shows that Kelce’s innovative approach is welcomed, as long as it’s executed properly.
The chemistry challenge
Despite the support from Mahomes and Reid, Kelce has faced challenges in connecting with his quarterback, especially in the red zone. With only two touchdowns so far this season, it’s evident that something isn’t quite clicking. Kelce himself admitted, “Once we get in that red zone, man, I get a little hungrier and right now, for whatever reason this year, I just can’t find my way in the end zone. I’m just not on the same page as Pat and it can get frustrating.” This candid acknowledgment reveals the tight end’s desire to improve and find that elusive chemistry with Mahomes.
During his media availability, Mahomes echoed Reid’s sentiments, cautioning Kelce about the consequences of his lateral passes. “He does it in practice, it started off as kind of a joke and now it’s kind of become a thing, as long as he completes it, Coach is going to let him keep doing it, but he knows the consequences if he doesn’t.” This statement underscores the delicate balance between creativity and accountability that the Chiefs’ offense strives to maintain.
The impact of Kelce’s plays
Kelce’s lateral passes have not only been entertaining but also pivotal in maintaining the momentum of the Chiefs’ drives. In his latest game, he once again executed a lateral that kept the chains moving, proving that his instincts on the field are sharp. The 3x Super Bowl champion has shown that he can be a game-changer, even when the stats don’t fully reflect his impact.
In fact, Kelce’s ability to turn third-and-long situations into manageable plays has been crucial for the Chiefs. His Week 5 lateral pass to Perine was a prime example, allowing the team to stay in contention during critical moments. Reid and Mahomes couldn’t help but appreciate the effectiveness of Kelce’s decision-making, which has become a hallmark of his play style.
Looking ahead
As the season unfolds, the Chiefs remain optimistic about Kelce’s potential to find his rhythm. With Mahomes and Reid backing him, it’s a matter of time before the tight end breaks free from his scoring drought. The chemistry between Mahomes and Kelce is vital for the Chiefs’ success, especially as they aim for another deep playoff run.
With their unwavering support, it’s clear that both Mahomes and Reid believe in Kelce’s abilities. As the tight end continues to explore creative plays, fans can expect to see more exciting moments from him on the field. Will Kelce finally find his way back into the end zone? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the Chiefs are ready to rally behind their star tight end as they chase victory in the 2024 NFL season.
