By now, everybody is well aware of Travis Kelce’s slow start to the 2024 NFL season. Three games, just eight catches for 69 yards.
Zero touchdowns. And all this after signing a massive new contract.
Fans are concerned that the three-time Super Bowl-winning tight end is not focused on the game. An off-season of jet setting across the globe with girlfriend Taylor Swift and a renewed focus on a career in Hollywood all have fans worried that his priorities now lie elsewhere.
Kelce though, doesn’t see it that way. He offered a football-related explanation for his struggles during a recent edition of his “New Heights” podcast.
“I think with how defenses are playing us right now, I’m not really getting a lot of opportunities to make plays down the field, but not using that as an excuse,” he said while using that as an excuse.
“Moving forward, still trying to make sure I can help the team out in that regard knowing I’ve been that weapon for us in the past.”
Travis Kelce’s Teammates Offer The Same Excuse
I’m fairly certain Travis Kelce has faced double teams before on defense and still managed to put up decent numbers and find his way to the end zone.
That said, his teammates also suggest that defensive schemes are what is contributing to their tight end’s slow start. Defensive end George Karlaftis told TMZ Sports that Kelce, contrary to popular belief, has not lost a step.
“Teams have to respect him,” Karlaftis said suggesting that double teams are the issue. “He’s the greatest tight end to ever play, you could argue. Certainly I think so.”
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes alluded to the same excuse.
“The respect factor they [teams] have for Travis is unreal,” said Mahomes. “We’re calling a lot of plays for Travis, and it’s like two or three people going to him.”
Kelce has seen such defensive schemes in the past. Entering his 11th season, he is a nine-time Pro Bowler and four-time First Team All-Pro. He has a fairly accomplished coach who knows how to work around defensive plans.
Double-teaming him might be a contributor to Travis Kelce’s slow start. But it’s not the only reason. It’s not like the league just suddenly realized after a decade of him dominating that ‘Hey, maybe we shouldn’t allow him to go one-on-one in open space.’
Somehow The Chiefs Are Doing Okay
Despite the slow start. Despite fans worrying about his mental state on the sidelines with his super sad face. And despite the fact that he clearly lost a Fantasy Football wager to his barber, Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs are doing just fine.
For all of his statistical woes, the Chiefs are a perfect 3-0 and already sitting alone atop the AFC West. And isn’t the bottom line whether or not they’re winning?
“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 admitted during the podcast.
“It has everything to do with execution and just making sure we’re doing everything we can to win these football games, that’s always going to be the goal.”
Think of how dangerous the team will be when Travis returns to being the Kelce of old.
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