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Travis Kelce’s low productivity raises eyebrows amid Taylor Swift & Patrick Mahomes speculation
Travis Kelce is playing in his 12th season in the NFL
Travis Kelce, one of the most consistent tight ends in NFL history, has started the 2024 season slower than fans have come to expect
What is happening to Travis Kelce?
After a relatively quiet performance in Week 1, Kelce’s productivity dipped even further in Kansas City’s nail-biting 26-25 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on September 15.
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The star tight end managed just one catch for five yards-a far cry from his usual game-changing contributions.
Kelce’s subdued start to the season has sparked speculation, with some fans attempting to link his relationship with pop sensation Taylor Swift to his recent lack of output.
Some even question if his connection with Patrick Mahomes is on the decline.
While such claims are unfounded, they add an interesting subplot to a situation that already has NFL fans buzzing.
Kelce’s underperformance follows a similarly slow outing in Week 1, where he posted just three receptions for 34 yards against the Baltimore Ravens.
Patrick Mahomes chimes in on Kelce’s productivity
Yet, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes isn’t worried.
“They’re doing a great job of just kind of having two people for him pretty much the entire game,”Mahomes explained, citing the Bengals’ defensive efforts to limit Kelce’s impact.
In fact, Kelce nearly broke through late in the fourth quarter with a 41-yard reception, but an offensive holding penalty erased the big play.
Despite the struggles, Mahomes expressed confidence in their long-standing connection: “We’ll get it going. As the season goes on, I’m sure we’ll get more of those plays.”
This isn’t the first time Kelce has had a slow start.
Back in Week 1 of the 2018 season, he managed just six yards on one catch, but rebounded with a Pro Bowl-caliber year.
While questions arise about Kelce’s age-he turns 35 this season-his past performance proves that counting him out too early could be a mistake.
Despite his career-low stats, Mahomes emphasized Kelce’s leadership both on and off the field.
“As the season goes on, I mean, he’s going to get his catches, he’s going to get his yards,”Mahomes said.
“But the leader that he is-that’s what’s special.”
Still, the chatter about Kelce’s relationship with Taylor Swift persists among some fans.
Critics claim the romance has led to a downturn in his focus and performance, but those close to the situation dismiss such claims as nonsense.
The pair has been together for over a year, and Kelce’s decision to sit out Week 18 last season, leaving him just 16 yards short of an eighth consecutive 1,000-yard season, was a personal choice.
Regardless of the swirling rumors, Kelce remains an integral part of the Chiefs’ offense.
His ability to draw double teams, even in games where his stat line is modest, opens up opportunities for other receivers, such as Rashee Rice, who scored the Chiefs’ first touchdown against Cincinnati.