The Kansas City Chiefs have kicked off the 2024 NFL season with an impressive 3-0 record. However, while the team has found early success, star tight end Travis Kelce has experienced a slow start statistically. Through the first three games, Kelce has caught just eight passes for 69 yards—markedly the fewest receptions and receiving yards in any three-game stretch of his illustrious career.
Defensive Strategies Target Kelce
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has noticed the intense defensive focus on Kelce by opposing teams. "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," said Mahomes.
Despite the defensive scrutiny, Mahomes is confident that increased attention on Kelce could create opportunities 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 [Xavier] 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 explained.
Adapting to Change
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid also commented on the defensive schemes aimed at neutralizing 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 said.
In response to the defensive strategies, the Chiefs are positioning rookie wide receiver Rashee Rice and recent addition Xavier Worthy to help ease the pressure on Kelce. The adaptation could play a vital role in maintaining the team’s offensive balance as defensive units continue to double-team and scheme specifically against Kelce.
Kelce's Perspective
Kelce himself seems unfazed by the current season's numbers and is more focused on the broader team objectives. "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.
He further elaborated on his mindset amid the changing dynamics. "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 maintains that the ultimate goal remains team victories. "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 emphasized.
Upcoming Challenge
As the Chiefs prepare to face the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4, the focus will inevitably be on Kelce's performance. Historically, he has thrived against the Chargers, amassing 40 receptions, 640 yards, and six touchdowns over his last five games against them. This track record sets high expectations for Kelce as the Chiefs look to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.
Mahomes will likely continue his strategy of distributing the ball to other playmakers to open up opportunities for his primary target. If Rice and Worthy can step up, it will not only diversify the Chief's offensive options but also potentially allow Kelce to exploit less congested defensive coverages.
With a critical game ahead, the Chiefs need to strike a balance between leveraging Kelce's talents and minimizing the defensive pressure he faces. Mahomes, Reid, and Kelce collectively understand this delicate dynamic and remain focused on the overarching goal of winning games. As the season progresses, the Chiefs will likely continue to evolve their strategies to optimize their offensive execution, ensuring that every playmaker, including Kelce, contributes to the team's ongoing success.