Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce have had one of the best connections in NFL history, but the two have struggled to link up to start the year.
Through the first three weeks of the season, Kelce has just eight catches for 69 yards and zero touchdowns.
Kansas City is 3-0, which is what’s most important, but the team must find a way to get Kelce more involved.
Mahomes says it’s not like they aren’t trying, though.
“Yeah, it’s crazy because teams still — the respect factor they have for Travis is just unreal,” Mahomes said, via Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk. “It’s well-deserved, but we’re calling a lot of plays for Travis, and it’s like two or three people are going to him. So, I mean, he understands.”
Still, the soon-to-be 35-year-old’s dip in production is a little worrisome. His 8.6 yards per catch is well off his career average of 12.5.
While Kelce would love to have a bigger impact, Mahomes believes he’s happy as long as the Chiefs keep winning.
“I think that’s the great thing about him is he wants to make an impact on the game,” Mahomes added. “But he wants to win at the end of the day.”
Another reason for Kelce’s lower numbers is the emergence of Kansas City’s younger playmakers.
Wide receivers Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy have combined for 30 catches for 369 yards and three touchdowns.
Mahomes knows if they continue to make plays, things will eventually open up more for Kelce.
“I’m going to try to do my best to keep feeding him the ball whenever he’s there, whenever he’s open,” Mahomes concluded. “But I think the more Rashee makes plays, the more we’re able to run the football, the more we can get Worthy involved, that’s going to open Travis up more. I mean, people are really emphasizing trying to take him away and it’s getting other guys open.”
The Chiefs are hoping that will be the case when they go on the road in Week 4 for a hot AFC West battle against the Los Angeles Chargers (2-1).