Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes discusses teams denying Travis Kelce: ‘He’s going to get his catches’

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) looks on next to quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) before a preseason NFL football game Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jacksonville Jaguars defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 26-13. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

The regular season is only two weeks old, and the Kansas City Chiefs are undefeated while getting contributions from various players on offense.

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes spoke to reporters following Sunday’s victory, addressing the lack of production from Travis Kelce due to defensive schemes in the first two games.

“They’re doing a great job of just kind of having two people for him pretty much the entire game,” said Mahomes. “That’s why you’ve seen guys like Rashee (Rice) and (Xavier) Worthy – I mean, if you look at the first touchdown, I’m actually looking at Trav (Travis Kelce), and the backside safety goes all the way across the field to help guard Travis, and then you throw the ball down the sideline to Rashee, and that’s kind of what

they’ve been doing.”

Kelce was held to one catch for five yards on Sunday and faced constant double teams and attention from several defenders. In the first half, Mahomes was intercepted, trying to target Kelce, who continues to be heavily game-planned against by defensive coordinators after two games.

“Obviously, we’ve played two opponents that we’ve played a lot, so they have a plan on how they’re going to account for Travis,” said Mahomes. “As the season goes on, he’s going to get his catches, he’s going to get his yards. The leader that he is – what’s special is he’s hyping everybody up, he’s keeping everybody motivated, and that’s what you need out of your great players.”

Kelce has four receptions for 39 yards through two weeks, significantly below his usual production over the years. As the season progresses, head coach Andy Reid will likely draw up unique ways to give the Pro Bowler more opportunities.