Travis Kelce bounces back after slow start to lead Chiefs in win over Chargers

Even as the Chiefs started 3-0, questions were raised around Kelce’s lack of production. Everyone in the organization has dismissed any concerns ahead of Sunday’s AFC West showdown.

Reid noted that he didn’t need to see a performance like Sunday to know Kelce still has it.

“Well, I really don’t care what anyone thinks,” Reid said. “I look at what the defense does and how they respect him. I take it from that and I look at Trav every day so I can see him and how he works. He never wants to come out during practice and the game .” he’s all in all the time. So I don’t know, I’m not worried about that.

The Chiefs receivers wore T-shirts in support of Kelce during the pregame.

“It’s a close group and that whole room, the whole offense is very close. I mean, we’ve been through adversity together, we’ve been on a lot of road trips, been to the Super Bowl and a lot of These guys have been to at least one of the Super Bowls,” quarterback Patrick Mahomes said. “You build this brotherhood and I think they’ve heard all the noise from outside and they know how much of a leader Travis is. It was cool to see them show their support, and for him to go there and be Travis, because that’s who he is. is.”

Kelce led the Chiefs with nine goals on the day, a necessary production after wideout Rashee Rice left early with a suspected serious knee injury.

“I think it’s a mix of everything,” Mahomes said of Kelce’s increased involvement. “Obviously, with Rashee Rice leaving early, you’ve got to put Kelce back in a situation where he’s getting a lot of catches. And then the Chargers took away some of the outside stuff, leaving the middle of the field open. and we were able to get it to Trav in some of those zone coverages. But I mean, the whole Kelce thing in general is not an issue for me. I know when we need him, he’s going to make plays and that’s what he does done today.”

With Rice’s injury, the Chiefs need the soon-to-be 35-year-old tight end to have more days like Sunday.