Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce have built one of the NFL’s most familiar connections. But Kelce’s understanding of the quarterback position has also played a role in that chemistry.

The Chiefs tight end explained how his time as a quarterback earlier in his career still helps him when he lines up with Mahomes.

“I naturally understand the rhythm of the plays, depending on what that quarterback's drop is, his footwork,” Travis Kelce said on September 18.

For Kelce, it is about knowing what the quarterback is doing and matching his own timing to it. He can pick up on Mahomes’ movement and adjust without needing everything to be communicated in the moment.

“In terms of timing, I understand what he's doing without even looking at him. So I know my timing and my route is going to match up with what he's doing in the pocket,” Travis Kelce said on New Heights Show on September 18.

Mahomes has also had plenty to deal with away from the field. He suffered ACL and LCL tears in his left knee during Kansas City’s December loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, ending his season and starting a long recovery.

He did not play in the preseason but continued working with the Chiefs throughout the offseason. Andy Reid’s updates also gave Kansas City confidence about his progress before the quarterback returned to game action.

“I was fortunate enough to be in the tight end room or be in the quarterback room and understand the techniques of what he's got going on,” Kelce added.

Now back on the field, Mahomes can lean on a familiar target who understands more than just the route.

Kelce’s quarterback background gives him a feel for the play from Mahomes’ side too, helping the two stay connected when the game speeds up.

That chemistry helped the Chiefs throughout Mahomes’ return, but Kelce also had a moment where he was simply hoping the officials had not seen what happened.

Travis Kelce reveals a risky moment from Chiefs’ Week 1 win

Travis Kelce had a close call during the Kansas City Chiefs’ 31-10 win over the Denver Broncos. He knew he had grabbed Talanoa Hufanga during Patrick Mahomes’ 15-yard touchdown run, but no flag came out.

Speaking on New Heights, Kelce admitted he was waiting to see if the officials had spotted it.

“It was definitely a questionable play,” Kelce said, according to Bleacher Report.

Kelce appeared to catch the Broncos safety by the collar, but the officials did not call holding. The play also could not be reviewed for a holding penalty.

The timing made it even more important. Mahomes had just had a five-yard touchdown run erased because Kahlil Benson and Jaylon Moore were both flagged for holding on the previous play. Another penalty could have pushed Kansas City out of the red zone.

“Almost cost us,” Kelce added.

Instead, Mahomes’ second attempt counted, giving the Chiefs a 7-0 lead. It also marked an important moment in his first game back after tearing his ACL and LCL last season.

Mahomes finished with three total touchdowns, while Kenneth Walker III had 173 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Kelce added 71 receiving yards, including a 59-yard catch-and-run.

Kansas City now moves on to the Colts after starting the season 1-0.

Written by

Debanjali Rakshit