Travis Kelce has long been the heartbeat of the Chiefs’ offense since 2013, his rookie season. But over the past two years, he hasn’t looked like the same difference-maker. Kelce even failed to reach the 1,000-yard mark last year, after crossing that mark for seven straight seasons.
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Many expect the tight end to improve from his career-low 3 receiving touchdowns in 2024. However, it looks like things just aren’t clicking for Kelce, who is most likely in his final season in the NFL.
Through three games, the veteran Chiefs star has just 10 receptions for 134 yards, putting him on pace for the lowest total of his career. For a player who once redefined consistency and production at his position, this steady drop-off is hard to ignore.
Kelce’s struggles were amplified once again in Sunday’s win against the New York Giants during a play with his quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. The video went viral and set social media ablaze.
On the Chiefs’ second drive, Mahomes dropped back and locked eyes with Kelce, who stood completely open just a few yards away. A season or so prior, the duo’s famous telepathic connection would have at least ensured some yards getting gained.
But, instead of firing immediately, Mahomes hesitated, scanned the field, before finally releasing the ball wide of Kelce’s reach. This misfire sums up the duo’s lack of rhythm so far this season.
I am beyond confused at how this pass did not get completed from Patrick Mahomes to Travis Kelce: pic.twitter.com/xnNdDBQzfX
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) September 22, 2025
Unsurprisingly, fans were shocked to see Mahomes’ hesitation and the eventual misfire. “He doesn’t wanna pass to Kelce…” wrote a fan as their takeaway. “Someone needs to ask him about his trust level,” added another.
The rest, meanwhile, criticized both the players equally for their declining skill levels. “Bad throw by Pat. Open eyes and look at the play, it could not be more clear what happened,” penned a fan. “Because Travis was able to cut back, but he can’t anymore,” chimed in another.
Kelce’s night didn’t get much better after that. While he caught four passes, they went for just 26 yards. In a game where the Chiefs’ offense still lacked its trademark explosiveness, those numbers stood in stark contrast to the kind of dominance Kelce once delivered almost weekly.
And to make matters worse, Kelce’s frustrations even spilled onto the sideline, or so it seemed.
After Harrison Butker missed a 40-yard field goal in the second quarter, cameras caught Kelce in a heated exchange with HC Andy Reid. The two jawed at each other in a moment eerily reminiscent of Super Bowl LVIII, when the tight end famously bumped Reid on the sideline.
Reid, however, downplayed the clash after the game and praised his star’s intensity. “Don’t make too much of it. He’s a passionate guy and I love that part… I’ve been through a lot of things with him, so that’s all part of it. I love that he loves to play the game. That’s what I love. It’s an emotional game, so I’ll take it,” said the head coach.
The coach even doubled down, noting that passion is what makes Kelce tick. “Sometimes I have to be the policeman… He knows when to back off the pedal and when to push it too. That’s part of what I love about him. The guy’s all-in. He was all-in. Listen, he’s an emotional guy. He’s Irish,” Reid added.
Despite the relief in the camp from securing their first win of the season, the Chiefs’ problems remain glaring.
Mahomes’ hesitation, Kelce’s diminishing numbers, and fiery sideline moments underline that this partnership isn’t clicking the way it once did. And until they find their old chemistry again, it does look like the Chiefs will struggle to look and play like the juggernaut fans have grown used to.
