Travis Kelce’s quarterback is standing up for him as criticism of his play this season intensifies. Following the Chiefs’ 3-0 away victory against the Falcons on Sunday night, Patrick Mahomes provided an explanation for why, in the first three games, Kelce has hardly had his number called.
It’s absurd because teams still regard Travis with an almost unbelievable level of respect. It’s deserved,” Mahomes informed the media. “Two or three people are going to Travis when we call a lot of plays for him. He knows, and that’s what’s so fantastic about him: he wants to win in the end, but he also wants to have an impact on the game.
“I’ll do everything in my power to consistently feed him the ball whenever he’s available. Travis will likely become more accessible in my opinion the more plays Rashee [Rice] makes, the more we can run the football, and the more we can engage [Xavier] Worthy. The emphasis on trying to remove him is growing, and as a result, other guys are becoming more receptive.
Travis Kelce reacts during the Chiefs’ win over the Falcons on Sept. 22, 2024.Getty Images
Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (3) breaks up a pass intended for Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) in the fourth quarter on Sept. 22, 2024.Brett Davis-Imagn Images
In Kansas City’s 22-17 victory over Atlanta, Kelce, 34, had four receptions for 30 yards. This season, the nine-time Pro Bowler has only eight receptions for 69 yards and zero touchdowns.
Travis revealed that he “used to get really, really pissed off and almost lose my cool” when he did not have good games during last week’s episode of the podcast “New Heights,” which he cohosts with brother Jason. Despite this, Travis stated he was not going to let his unproductive first two weeks get to him down.
However, Kelce appeared unhappy as he played through another quiet four quarters on the sidelines on Sunday night.
Ultimately, Rice scorched the Falcons with 12 catches, 110 yards, and a touchdown on 14 targets; Kelce had the next-highest amount of targets with five.
In lieu of the injured Isiah Pacheco, undrafted rookie running back Carson Steele saw 17 carries for 72 yards.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs with the football against the Falcons on Sept. 22, 2024.USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
With 217 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception, Mahomes finished 26 for 39.
In Week 4, the Chiefs travel to take on the rival Chargers, with whom Kelce has played in a number of significant games.
Kelce has accumulated 100 catches for 1,223 yards and eight touchdowns in his career versus the Chargers in 18 games.
In Week 7 of the 2023 regular season, he had 12 catches for 179 yards and a score versus Los Angeles, which was his most productive game.
