In a recent showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos, star tight end Travis Kelce delivered a performance that fell below his usual standards. Kelce managed to secure only 6 of his 9 targets, gaining 58 yards.
This performance caught the attention of Pro Football Hall of Famer and sports analyst Shannon Sharpe, who didn’t hold back in expressing his disappointment and concern about what he called an “awful look.”
During his “The Nightcap” podcast, hosted with former NFL receiver Chad Johnson, Sharpe shared his thoughts on Kelce’s underwhelming game.
He emphasized the critical role that Kelce plays in the Chiefs’ offense, as the primary receiving option for quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Sharpe questioned Kelce’s decision to attend a Texas Rangers game on the Friday night before the game, suggesting that it was an ill-timed choice.
Unc and Ocho discuss Travis Kelce's trip to the World Series@ochocinco: "What's wrong with that? You're not gonna tell me you can't enjoy yourself on a Friday night"@ShannonSharpe: "It was in Texas. He lives in KANSAS CITY"
— Nightcap (@NightcapShow_) October 30, 2023
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Chad Johnson, curious about Sharpe’s perspective, asked why Kelce’s attendance at the Rangers game was problematic. Sharpe pointed out that the timing, in the middle of the NFL season, was a significant concern.
Sharpe elaborated on his own experiences, sharing that his coaches had always advised players to “get off your feet” on Fridays to rest before games. Thus, he believed Kelce’s decision to board a plane for a sporting event on a Friday was a poor choice.
While Kelce’s recent performance might have raised eyebrows, it’s essential to recognize that he is not the root of the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive problems. The team’s challenges lie in the overall performance of the receivers and their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes.
Mahomes, despite battling the flu, struggled in the game against the Broncos, failing to score a single touchdown and turning the ball over three times (two interceptions and one fumble). The primary issue was the inability of the receivers to get open downfield, limiting Mahomes to just 241 passing yards.
Kelce and rookie receiver Rashee Rice were the exceptions, contributing significantly to the offense with a combined 56 yards. However, it’s evident that the Chiefs’ receiving corps is currently a cause for concern.
The trade deadline has passed, and no significant changes were made to the roster, leaving the team heavily reliant on a 34-year-old tight end and a rookie receiver to carry the passing game load.
While it’s expected that Mahomes will bounce back from his illness and regain his top form, the Chiefs’ receiver issues remain a significant challenge.
Any potential injury to Travis Kelce could spell serious trouble for the defending Super Bowl champions, as they have limited room for error while striving for another championship.
Following Shannon Sharpe’s comments, Twitter was abuzz with reactions from fans. Some defended Kelce’s choice, pointing out the short travel time between Kansas City and Texas and highlighting that Kelce was not solely to blame for the loss.
Others acknowledged that while it wasn’t Kelce’s best game, he was not the primary reason for the defeat, and his performance would have gone unnoticed had the team won.