Chiefs’ Tough Loss Sparks Criticism of Travis Kelce

The aftermath of the Chiefs’ second consecutive loss this season on Sunday led to pointed criticisms aimed at tight end Travis Kelce.

Shannon Sharpe didn’t hold back, suggesting that Kelce has become “head and lazy,” particularly after the team fell 20-17 to the Eagles. This so-called Super Bowl 2025 rematch was marked by a critical drop by Kelce in the red zone.

“Kelce seems to have lost focus. He’s not tuned in up there or with his eyes. He should know how crucial that area of the field is,” Sharpe commented during his “Nightcap” podcast with Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson.

He noted, “It’s baffling… why is he being so lax when there’s no one around?”

With the score at 13-10 early in the fourth quarter, quarterback Patrick Mahomes aimed for Kelce during a critical second and goal play at the Eagles’ six-yard line. Tom Brady, commenting on the broadcast, remarked that Kelce was a bit slow to react, indicating that it was the right moment for Mahomes to deliver the pass.

The Eagles capitalized on the Chiefs’ struggles, scoring a touchdown soon thereafter and maintaining their lead for the rest of the game.

The Chiefs now sit at 0-2, struggling on offense partly due to the absence of wide receiver Rashee Rice. “Ocho, even with Mahomes’ talent, this is an issue they haven’t managed to fix,” Sharpe asserted.

Mahomes himself is dealing with memories of a three-game losing streak dating back to their Super Bowl loss in February. A miscommunication with Kelce occurred while his fiancée, Taylor Swift, was in attendance, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

“I might’ve thrown it a tad early,” Mahomes said later. “If I could have placed it better, he would have made the catch and scored.” He completed 29 passes out of 46 attempts for 187 yards, along with one touchdown and one interception.

Kelce finished the game with four receptions, totaling 61 yards. Next up for the Chiefs is a matchup against the winless Giants in Sunday Night Football.