PATRICK MAHOMES has given a clear reason for Travis Kelce’s struggles early on in Kansas City Chiefs season.
The superstar tight end has failed to live up to his usually high standards so far, despite a 3-0 record for his team.
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He looked miserable on the bench during their 22-17 win at the Atlanta Falcons after being spotted by CBS TV cameras.
Kelce has not had a huge number of targets through the first three games of the season, unlike previous years.
And Mahomes has put that down to rival NFL team defences purposely targeting the 34-year-old.
“I mean the respect factor they have for Travis is still unreal and it’s well deserved”, said the 29-year-old quarterback.
“We’re calling a lot of plays for Travis and it’s like two or three people are going to him.
“He understands. That’s the great thing about him.
“He wants to make an impact on the game but he wants to win at the end of the day.
“I’m going to try and do my best to keep feeding him the ball whenever he’s there, whenever he’s open.
“I think the more Rashee (Rice) makes plays, the more we’re able to run the football, the more we can get (Xavier) Worthy involved.
“I think that’s going to open up Travis more.
“People are really emphasizing trying to take him away and it’s getting other guys open.”
The Chiefs have been excellent so far in the 2024-25 season, as they look to make it three Super Bowl wins in a row.
But Kelce’s usual upbeat demeanor has not been on show, as he struggles to find form.
One theory he was upset on Sunday night was the absence of popstar girlfriend Taylor Swift from the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
‘Well-talked-about personal life’
Travis Kelce was asked about his relationship with Taylor Swift during an interview with Good Morning America.
But the Kansas City Chiefs tight end gave a cagey response.
“When you have good family and friends around you, it makes that aspect of life that much easier,” Kelce told GMA.
“I’ve always been a very grounded guy. It might not come off that way when I’m playing football.
“But off the field, I just want to be a genuine person. I try not to get too far down the road.
“Because you never know what opportunities are going to present themselves.”
She has watched both his games live this year, but missed her first one over the weekend.
The 34-year-old was spotted out for dinner with model Gigi Hadid in New York on Saturday night.
But Kelce’s reason for being upset at the Falcons is likely to be his stats from the game.
He had just four catches for 30 yards on the night, and just 69 yards across the three games so far.
Kelce is widely considered to be one of, if not, the best tight end in the story of the NFL.
And he is looking to add a fourth Super Bowl ring to his collection to cement his legendary Hall of Fame career.
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