Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce gave fans something to talk about during their 26-13 win over the New Orleans Saints. With the Chiefs maintaining a perfect 5-0 record heading into their bye week, Kelce decided to add a bit of flair to the game by executing a lateral pass, a move more common to quarterbacks than tight ends. However, head coach Andy Reid fully supports Kelce’s in-game creativity, especially when it catches the defense off guard.
During a crucial moment in the second quarter, the Chiefs were facing a tough third-and-22 from the Saints‘ 43-yard line. Patrick Mahomes completed a short pass to Kelce, who then did something unexpected-he tossed a lateral pass to running back Samaje Perine. Perine managed to sprint forward for an additional 15 yards, giving the Chiefs a much-needed boost on the play.
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Kelce’s spontaneous play might have been risky, but it turned out to be a game-changer. “We practice these kinds of plays, and I trust Kelce’s instincts out there,” said Reid. “If it doesn’t work out, he knows he’s got to hear about it when he comes back to the bench, but when it does, it’s magic.”
Kelce finds his groove after slow start
Despite the buzz around this successful trick play, Kelce has had a challenging start to the season. In the first three games, he struggled to find his usual rhythm, failing to exceed 34 yards and four receptions in any single game. However, the last two weeks have shown signs of his return to top form. Kelce pulled in seven and nine catches for 89 and 70 yards, respectively, showcasing the skills that made him one of the league’s elite tight ends.
His resurgence has been vital for the Chiefs‘ offense, which has been a bit inconsistent. Though Mahomes and Kelce weren’t firing on all cylinders earlier in the season, their chemistry appears to be getting back on track. Kelce’s recent performances signal that he is once again a critical asset to the team as they look to extend their undefeated streak.
What’s next for Kelce and the Chiefs?
The Chiefs will enter their bye week with a perfect 5-0 record, giving them a chance to rest and prepare for the upcoming games. For Kelce, this week off might be a good time to work on syncing up even more with Mahomes, ensuring that his slow start to the season is firmly in the rearview mirror.
Coach Reid’s confidence in Kelce’s decision-making on the field demonstrates just how valuable he is to the team, not just as a player but as a creative force capable of making the unexpected happen. As the Chiefs push forward, fans can expect more exciting plays from Kelce lateral passes included.
