Kaylah Walton
Travis Kelce made a significant impact in the NFL for the Kansas City Chiefs with a strong performance that led them to a 30-24 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on November 4. However, he still expressed frustrations following the game.
The three-time Super Bowl champion, along with Patrick Mahomes, boosted their team’s record to an impressive 8-0 for the season after a thrilling overtime victory on Monday Night Football, boasting 14 catches and 100 yards from 16 targets.
Even though this was his best performance of the challenging 2024/25 season, Kelce felt frustrated with himself due to a fumble that cost him an NFL record. He held himself to a higher standard.
“I could have had more,” said Kelce regarding his reception totals. “After I fumbled, I realized I could have been the first 35-year-old to catch 15 [passes] if it hadn’t happened.”
“Personally, I didn’t perform well in the pass and run games. I did some good things on the first drive, but overall, I wasn’t satisfied with how I played, even after reviewing the game today.”
What has triggered Kelce’s improvement?
Kelce’s rough start had some fans wondering if his best days were behind him, but he has proven them wrong with 366 yards on 44 receptions in his last five games, a stark contrast to just 69 yards in the first three outings.
What has contributed to this turnaround? Kelce attributes it to increased targets from his quarterback.
“We’re just playing ball, and Pat has been connecting with me,” Kelce explains. “I’m finding open spaces, and Pat trusts that I will be there.”
“We’re simply aligned in our play. I felt we were always on the same page, but now Pat is consistently getting me the ball.”
This sentiment aligns with Mahomes‘ comments about Kelce’s early season struggles, noting that teams were often doubling or even tripling coverage on the tight end, limiting his effectiveness.
Injuries to players like Rashee Rice, Hollywood Brown, and Isiah Pacheco have resulted in Kelce getting more opportunities, and the addition of DeAndre Hopkins is expected to draw defenders away, creating additional space for him.
