Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce had a rough start to his game on Monday Night Football, watching a pass bounce off his hands and land with a Washington Commanders defender.
The miscue led to some criticism online, with many calling out the veteran tight end for putting quarterback Patrick Mahomes in a difficult position — and potentially undercutting his MVP resume.
Chiefs Struggled in First Half, Travis Kelce Didn’t Help
The Chiefs struggled in scoring points against an aggressive Commanders defense in the first half of Monday’s game, with Mahomes throwing two interceptions. The first game in the red zone, while the second appeared to be a sure catch for Kelce.
The tight end struggled to bring the ball in, watching it bounce off his hands and to safety Bobby Wagner for an interception.
The mistake led to some criticism, with some declaring that Kelce’s best days are behind him.
“Uh oh Travis Kelce is WASHED,” wrote NFL reporter John Frascella in a post on X, one that may have been a bit tongue-in-cheek.
Others worried that Kelce has done some irreparable damage to Mahomes’ chances of earning an MVP trophy.
“Kelce is doing a lot of damage to the Mahomes MVP campaign,” a fan shared in a post on X.
This is not the first time that Kelce turned a sure catch into an interception. In a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in September, Kelce dropped a pass on second-and-goal that went directly into the arms of Eagles defensive back Andrew Mukuba for an interception.
âGotta catch the ball,â Kelce said on his New Heights Podcast after the game. âGotta catch the ball and give ourselves a chance.â
Mahomes said he threw the ball a bit too early, but Kelce took blame.
âThe ball was where it needed to be, when it needed to be there,” Kelce said. “I just have to get my head around out of the break. Itâs one of those plays that happens bang bang. I just have to be able to get my head around right now so that I donât put myself in a position to let the ball surprise me like that.”
Travis Kelce Bounces Back Against Commanders
Kelce didn’t seem to dwell too much on the mistake against the Commanders. He started the second half with a 38-yard catch-and-run to put the Chiefs in the red zone, leading to a touchdown that gave his team a 14-7 lead.
Kelce helped extend the lead later in the third quarter with a 10-yard touchdown catch. The catch was his sixth of the day, giving him 99 yards in all.
The veteran tight end had discussed the idea of retirement prior to the season, ultimately deciding to come back and saying he felt like he had more years left in him.
âFor who, for me?â Kelce said before the teamâs season opener in September when asked about retirement. âMan, itâs the last one on the contract right now, but Iâll tell you what: Iâm feeling young and Iâm feeling ready to rock, baby.â
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