NFL
Chief’s QB, Patrick Mahomes, has appreciated the NFL and fans across the league, for their prayers and support when he was battling for his life. The statement reads in part; “…
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has been invisible in the passing game in the opening fortnight, but is the veteran about to turn it on in prime time against the Atlanta Falcons?
The Kansas City Chiefs sit at 2-0 after wins over the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals, and one could easily envision that without looking at the stat sheets, Travis Kelce would have played a big part in those wins.
Well, you’d be wrong.
In what is perhaps an oddity, Kelce has been invisible for Andy Reid’s offense through two weeks, having just four receptions for 39 yards. But is the tide about to turn with the Atlanta Falcons up next on Sunday night?
ESPN’s Matt Bowen thinks so.
“Kelce has caught just 4 of 7 targets for 39 yards this season,” Bowen writes. “When we look at the tape, however, there have been opportunities for the veteran tight end to cash in on flood concepts, seam routes and underneath matchups. I expect coach Andy Reid to outscheme the Falcons’ three-deep zone coverage this week, creating openings for Patrick Mahomes to target his tight end. I expect Kelce to finish with over 60 yards receiving in this one.”
This is a scary thought for the rest of the NFL: The Chiefs have slayed two AFC powerhouses, with Kelce having zero influence on the games.
While Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice have been getting the headlines, so has Pacheco. But now that the running back has been out with a fractured fibula for a while, maybe Patrick Mahomes will air the football out more in his absence.
The Falcons haven’t given up more than 233 passing yards in their first two games, so it might not be as simple as throwing 35+ times to win, but with Mahomes and Reid, Kansas City has the smarts to devise ways to get Kelce the ball.
The future Hall of Famer has been unusually quiet in 2024. Is he about to explode and remind the league that he’s still got juice in the tank?