There's no getting around the truth of that Travis Kelsey He's having a down year statistically, but Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid He praised his star tight end for making the most of things.
Kelsey, 35 years old Only two landings Through Kansas City's first 15 games this season. The nine-time Pro Bowler has never finished a season with fewer than 5.
Plus, Kelsey has Collected 739 yards — certainly not a number for the average tight end to sneeze at — but Kelce has never finished a season with less than 862, since as far back as his rookie campaign in 2014.
The Chiefs have two games remaining in the regular season, both away from home: Wednesday, December 25 against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Sunday, January 5 against the Denver Broncos.
Given all the noise about Kelce's lack of production, Reed, 66, admitted that Kelce hears the chatter — but has learned to let it roll off his back.
“He's doing a good job with all of that,” Reid He told reporters Monday 23 December. “Good team leader. That's why he was chosen as team captain in recent years.”
“He would sacrifice for the cause, as they say,” Reid continued. I'm not telling you that he doesn't like to play and fish and do all those things. He likes it. But at the same time, he is ready to help everywhere.
Despite Kelce's lackluster numbers, the Chiefs still managed to compile a 14-1 record — the best in the NFL.
Kelce's coach's comments came after the Chiefs signed the veteran tight end Robert Tonyan to their practice squad, a move that could impact Kelce's production if Tonyan, 30, is promoted to the main roster.
On the Dec. 4 episode of his “New Heights” podcast, Kelce admitted that he and Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes were. Struggling to find their lasting chemistrywhich has wreaked havoc in the NFL since 2018.
“The thing I'm most proud of is we got into that red zone, man,” Kelsey told my older brother. Jason Kelsey. “I'm getting a little hungry. Now, for whatever reason this year, I can't find my way in the end zone. I'm not on the same page as Pat. It can get frustrating. It can get frustrating. That's for sure.”
Earlier in the season, Travis explained how it happened I stopped worrying so much He turned his personal numbers around for the greater good of the team.
“I stopped caring about stats about four or five years ago,” Travis said on New Heights on Sept. 18. “I just went out and started playing for free with my teammates. Definitely, I think that's the better mentality. You think about it more game-wise.” By one and what your job is on that specific play.
Travis will get the chance to right the ship when the Chiefs travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers on Christmas Day, which airs at 1 PM ET on Netflix.