A play from the Chiefs last game against the Falcons illustrated the worrying lack of connection between Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce this season. Mahomes’ horrible mistake made Kelce look silly for his cocky gesture, showing they just cannot get on the same page. At least Taylor Swift wasn’t there to watch this ugly play unfold.
Mahomes and Kelce connection is suffering
The record-breaking duo are known for their uncanny relationship and ability to read each other’s minds while anticipating plays nobody saw coming. There have been countless examples during the Kansas City Chiefs remarkable run of three Super Bowls in five years, most recently the improvised behind-the-back pass from Mahomes to Kelce this preseason.
“That’s why we love Patrick Mahomes,” Kelce said on the New Heights Show while he broke down the aforementioned trick pass from Mahomes in August. “Even when you f**k up, he makes you right.”
Travis Kelce spots telepathic gesture that made Patrick Mahomes’ behind-the-back pass work
That was not the case on Sunday Night Football against the Atlanta Falcons. When Mahomes threw the ball toward the end zone, Kelce turned his back and started to celebrate, sure that his trusted quarterback would find a teammate in white. It had a viral Kelce-Mahomes moment written all over it.
The pass, intended for backup tight end Noah Gray, was picked off by the Falcons. Pat let Travis down and begged the question: why can’t Mahomes and Kelce get on the same page?
Worry building over Kelce’s slow start
Through the first three games of 2024, Kelce is off to an uncharacteristically slow start in the Chiefs offense, and it’s all anybody can talk about. Video evidence is piling up that there is a big issue at hand, from Kelce’s forlorn look on the sidelines on Sunday night to this viral video of Mahomes’ awful interception.
Kansas City holds a 3-0 record, but the tight end only has eight receptions for 69 yards. Within the team, Mahomes, head coach Andy Reid, and Kelce himself have downplayed the lack of production. Jason Kelce also emotionally defended his little brother on their podcast this week.
Do Kelce’s stats matter if the Chiefs are winning football games? Or is the winning covering up a bigger issue that will be a problem come playoff time? The debate rages on.
