Nubin Defends Kelce Amid Decline Speculation
Tyler Nubin, the young safety for the Giants, isn’t buying into the talk surrounding Travis Kelce’s perceived decline. Despite not having seen Kelce’s numbers this season, Nubin remains confident in the tight end’s abilities.
Kelce, now 35, only has six receptions as the Chiefs start the season 0-2. But Nubin, at just 24, isn’t swayed by the statistics.
“Kelce has a unique awareness and is always open to any new strategies,” Nubin remarked. He noted that Kelce’s connection with Patrick Mahomes is still very much alive. “They often seem to operate on the same wavelength. Kelce might run something unexpected, but Mahomes always finds him,” he added. “It’s exciting to go up against him.”
It’s clear that Kelce’s best years are behind him. Last season, he caught 97 passes, but since 2013, he’s never reached 823 yards in a season again, aside from his rookie year where he only played once.
This season, he’s only scored once after managing just three touchdowns in 2024. Nubin dismisses the claims that Kelce isn’t physically the same as before.
“He knows how to get open,” Nubin stated. “He fakes, pivots, and reads the defense well. The ball just seems to find him.”
Nubin is proving to be incredibly durable himself. He played all 89 defensive snaps, plus 17 on special teams, during a recent 40-37 overtime loss to the Cowboys, totaling 106 snaps—something he hasn’t done since high school.
“Honestly, it felt great,” Nubin shared. “When you’re in the moment, it doesn’t feel as long as it actually is. I could probably go longer. I’m young and feeling good.”
This Sunday, Nubin may find himself tasked with covering Kelce. The Giants seem ready and healthy enough for kickoff and punt returns this weekend. Still, Olszewski’s back issues have raised eyebrows.
The team recently bolstered their roster by adding three players from the practice squad—Tomon Fox, Elijah Garcia, and Neville Hewitt—and is preparing for their match-up.
Interestingly, the Chiefs have struggled in away games against the Giants, with a record of 0-7. However, they did manage to get a victory against the Jets at MetLife Stadium in 2023. As for Mahomes, he’s currently the leading rusher with 123 yards, but the Giants are aware of his unpredictable playstyle.
“It’s like he knows how to test the limits,” said Brian Burns, the defensive coordinator. “There’s a fine line between when you can hit him and when you shouldn’t.”
