The heartbeat of the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive rhythm has long been synchronized with the magic of Patrick Mahomes.
However, lurking in the shadows of Mahomes’ brilliance is the ever-reliable Travis Kelce, who continues to play a pivotal role in sustaining the team’s momentum.
Despite recently celebrating his 34th birthday, Kelce remains the undisputed best tight end in the league, poised for another remarkable 1,000-yard receiving season.
With a commanding lead in team targets (72), receptions (57), receiving yards (597), and touchdowns (4), Kelce boasts the highest success rate among all pass catchers in the Chiefs’ arsenal.
While his performance this season has witnessed both boom and bust moments, marked by two games with over 100 receiving yards and others with fewer than 69, Kelce’s impact on the field is undeniable.
The Chiefs’ reliance on Kelce raises a pertinent question: could this strategy backfire? With no other tight end stepping up to share the offensive burden and the risks associated with relying on a player in his 11th year, the state of the Chiefs’ tight end room becomes a secure yet potentially precarious aspect to monitor.
Joshua Brisco and Jordan Foote engage in a bye-week discussion on Arrowhead Report to evaluate the Chiefs’ tight end situation as the season progresses.
Biggest success
Foote asserts that Kelce, by default, claims the title of the biggest success. Despite occasional inconsistencies, Kelce is on pace for a stellar season, averaging nine targets and seven catches per game in the eight games played.
His yards per reception may have dipped, but his success rate remains high, and his catch percentage marks the highest of his career. When the Chiefs look to Kelce, positive outcomes consistently follow.
Brisco, injecting a touch of levity, notes Kelce’s international superstar status this season, contributing to a broader recognition of Kelce’s excellence.
Beyond the football field, Kelce’s reach extends globally, enhancing his standing and adding an interesting dimension to future debates on his G.O.A.T. status.
Biggest shortcoming
Foote identifies a potential loophole, acknowledging that this was supposed to be a season where the Chiefs had offensive strength elsewhere, reducing the burden on Kelce.
Instead, Kelce faces consistent double-teams, and the wider receiver room fails to alleviate the pressure. The failure lies in the Chiefs’ inability to make life easier for Kelce, a veteran dealing with injuries in his 11th year.
Brisco, taking a more straightforward approach, points to the rest of the tight end group as the biggest shortcoming. Despite Noah Gray taking a significant share of offensive snaps (59%) and Blake Bell contributing (25%), the tight end production remains underwhelming, with a combined 21 catches in an offense that offers ample opportunities.
The tight end group’s performance is characterized by a lack of inspiration, signaling a significant shortcoming in the overall offensive scheme.
Biggest question(s) remaining this season
Foote directs attention to the known commodity, Kelce, and raises the question of Noah Gray’s evolving role. As a former fifth-round pick enjoying a solid third season, Gray’s involvement in the offense has shown promise.
The query remains: will Gray’s role continue to expand, especially as he gains the trust of the coaching staff, playing over 50% of the team’s offensive snaps?
Brisco, highlighting Gray’s surprising position as the fifth-highest in receiving yards on the team, emphasizes the importance of Gray’s projections for both the current season and the Chiefs’ long-term plans.
The critical question emerges: will the Chiefs exit this season with plans to heavily invest in the tight end position during the offseason?
With an eye on extending Kelce’s career and potentially limiting his snaps, the Chiefs must determine if Gray can evolve into a true co-star alongside Kelce or if it’s time to seek a top-tier tight end in the 2024 NFL Draft.