The Kansas City Chiefs’ offense raised concerns amongst fans following their 0-2 start, as the typically high-powered offense combined for only 38 points. Frustration boiled over in their Week 3 games against the New York Giants when a displeased Travis Kelce got into it with head coach Andy Reid on the sidelines, as the offense’s horrific play continued.
This exchange has prompted the Chiefs to reignite their dominance. They’ve won three of their next four games, including an impressive win against the red-hot Detroit Lions last Sunday. Since the Chiefs have been able to turn things around, a once-infuriated Kelce has completely changed his tone
On his New Heights podcast, Kelce labeled this year’s team as “one of the most fun teams I’ve been on”.
Travis Kelce Happy with Chiefs’ Turnaround
The reason Kelce is no longer upset with the team’s poor play is that their offense has finally returned to its dominant play. Over their last four games, Kansas City has averaged 29.5 points per game, boosting its season average to 25.8. This is largely due to quarterback Patrick Mahomes putting the team on his back.
In six games, Mahomes has thrown for 1,514 yards, 11 touchdowns, and only two interceptions, completing 64.8% of his passes. Mahomes has been posting MVP-level numbers despite being without top receiver Rashee Rice due to suspension.
Without Rice in the lineup, the Chiefs have lacked a receiver that Mahomes can consistently rely on to get open. Mahomes has had to continue to bank on Kelce, who just turned 36 earlier this month, being one of those options to help fill the void until Rice returned from suspension.
Even though he’s playing in his 13th season, Kelce has shown few signs of regression, posting 28 receptions for 321 yards and two touchdowns thus far. While the offense as a whole has performed better of late, the run game remains a concern moving forward.
Running backs Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt have been unable to get things going. The two have lacked explosiveness in the backfield, combining for 401 yards on 100 carries. Despite being the top two ball carriers for the Chiefs, it’s Mahomes who leads the team in rushing yards (222) and rushing touchdowns (4).
Although Kansas City hasn’t had the best start to the season, things are looking way better than they did just a few weeks ago. With the trade deadline less than three weeks away, it’s evident this team has a lot of work to do to get back to the Super Bowl for a fourth consecutive time.
For now, Kelce and Chiefs fans should carry the optimism and momentum heading into their divisional game against the Las Vegas Raiders, with Rice set to make his season debut.