Are the Kansas City Chiefs facing a Travis Kelce problem?
After three weeks of the NFL season, there is growing concern that the star tight end, Travis Kelce, might be losing his touch. Critics point to his underwhelming stats so far – just eight receptions on 12 targets for 69 yards and no touchdowns. Is Kelce past his prime, a player the Chiefs can’t rely on anymore as they aim for a third consecutive Super Bowl win?
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However, a deeper look at the game films shows that Kelce is still creating opportunities for himself on the field, despite his lackluster numbers. He’s been getting open consistently, which is not reflected in the stats. So what’s the real issue here?
Some analysts have suggested that Kelce might be out of shape or distracted due to his off-season activities, including hanging out with celebrities and attending events. But Kelce’s training regimen has been consistent, and he has not missed a practice since the start of training camp. He remains healthy and committed to the team.
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Another theory suggests that Kelce might be getting less attention from the coaching staff, with plays often favoring other receivers like Rashee Rice. This shift in strategy could be impacting Kelce’s numbers, as defenses focus on shutting him down.
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Despite the challenges, Kelce remains focused on team success and is determined to contribute in whatever way he can. His track record of postseason success is a testament to his abilities, and he is eager to bounce back from the slow start this season.
As the Chiefs look ahead to their upcoming games, the key to unlocking Kelce’s full potential lies in better execution from the entire offense. With a strong support system and improved performance from his teammates, Kelce is poised to return to peak form and silence the doubters.
(Illustration: Meech Robinson / The Athletic; photo: Kevin Sabitus / Getty Images)