The Chiefs still believe in Travis Kelce

Travis Kelce’s slow start to the 2024 NFL season hasn’t raised any doubts within the Chiefs organization.

The team is confident Kelce will produce more as the season progresses, according to NFL Network, and believes extra attention from the defense has played a role in his quiet first three games, echoing what quarterback Patrick Mahomes said after the victory last Sunday over the Falcons.

Through three games, the 34-year-old tight end has just eight catches for 69 yards and zero touchdowns.

But Kelce isn’t looking for Andy Reid and his staff to change their approach, as he has told coaches to continue nurturing the players who have excelled thus far, NFL Network reported, as the team started 3-0 .

“It’s crazy because teams still the respect factor they have for Travis is just unreal. It’s well deserved,” Mahomes said after last week’s game. “We’re calling a lot of plays for Travis and it looks like two or three people are going to him. He understands. The great thing about him is that he wants to make an impact on the game, but ultimately he wants to win.

“I’m going to do my best to keep giving him the ball when he’s there, when he’s open. I think the more Rashee (Rice) plays, the better we can run the football, the more we can get (Xavier) Worthy involved. I think this will open up Travis more. People really emphasize trying to take him away and that opens up other guys.

Sophomore receiver Rashee Rice was the big beneficiary early, catching 24 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns in three games.

Running back Isiah Pacheco also performed well before suffering a leg injury in Week 2, and undrafted rookie tailback Carson Steele filled in admirably against Atlanta last week, rushing 17 times for 72 yards.

The Chiefs visit the Chargers on Sunday, against whom Kelce has put up big numbers throughout his career.

In 18 games against the Chargers, the nine-time Pro Bowler has 100 catches for 1,223 yards and eight touchdowns, and Kansas City has gone 16-2 in those games.

Kelce will be further boosted by the absence of Chargers safety Derwin James, who is suspended for Sunday’s game for illegal hits.

It was unclear Sunday morning whether Kelce’s girlfriend, Taylor Swift, would be in attendance at Sunday’s game in Los Angeles; she did not attend the game in Atlanta last week.