Travis Kelce's slow start to the 2024 NFL season has not caused any questions within the Chiefs organization.
The team is confident that Kelce will continue to improve as the season progresses. Per NFL Networkand believes the increased attention from the defense played a role in his quiet first three games, echoing what quarterback Patrick Mahomes said after last Sunday's win over the Falcons .
Through three games, the 34-year-old tight end has just eight catches for 69 yards and zero touchdowns.
But Kelce doesn't want Andy Reid and his staff to change their approach. The team is off to a 3-0 start, NFL Network reported, telling coaches to keep feeding the players who have excelled so far.
“It's crazy because the respect factor that the team has for Travis is just unreal, and rightly so,” Mahomes said after last week's game. “We're looking for a lot of plays for Travis, and it's like two or three guys going to him. He understands — the great thing about him is that he can affect the game. I want to give, but ultimately I want to win.
“Whenever he's out there, whenever he's open, we're going to do our best to keep feeding him the ball. I think it's more Lachy [Rice] The more you can make plays and run the football, the more you can get out of it. [Xavier] It's worth attending and I think Travis will open up more. People are making a point of trying to take him away and that opens up other players. ”
Second-year receiver Lachie Rice benefited greatly from the start, catching 24 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns in three games.
Running back Isaiah Pacheco was also good before suffering a foot injury in Week 2, and undrafted rookie tailback Carson Steele filled in admirably last week against Atlanta, rushing 17 times. Gained 72 yards.
On Sunday, the Chiefs will face the Chargers, a team where Kelce has had great success throughout his career.
The nine-time Pro Bowler had 100 catches, 1,223 yards and eight touchdowns in 18 games with the Chargers, leading Kansas City to a 16-2 record in those games.
Kelce will get a boost after Chargers safety Derwin James was suspended for an illegal hit in Sunday's game.
As of Sunday morning, it was unclear whether Kelsey's girlfriend, Taylor Swift, would attend Sunday's game in Los Angeles. She did not participate in last week's game in Atlanta.
