Frank Clark can still wreak havoc and other lessons from Chiefs vs Falcons
By Matt Conner
A closer look at a few more lessons learned about the Chiefs in Week 16.
The Kansas City Chiefs withstood the very best that the Atlanta Falcons had to offer in Week 16 in an often-ugly, sometimes-lucky win in Week 16. The Chiefs fielded another close victory at Arrowhead in the 17-14 win, but in doing so, they clinched the top spot in the AFC and earned themselves a week of rest after the regular season concludes.
Before we turn our attention to the future, however, we’ve got some sorting to do from the very recent past. What did we learn about the Chiefs in Week 16. The lessons were many but here are a few worthy of your time.
Travis Kelce keeps turning heads
I feel as if I’ve written 100 articles about Travis Kelce already this season for the production, leadership, and influence he brings to the field. Yet here we are again, amazed at just how good the Chiefs have it at tight end.
On Sunday, Kelce set the NFL record for most receiving yards in a single season by a tight end and there’s still an entire game left to play against the L.A. Chargers, a mark set by Kelce and then George Kittle back in 2018. The mark was just the latest record set in a season filled with them. Earlier in the game, he had his 100th reception which made him the first tight end with two consecutive seasons with 100 receptions or more. And of course, he’s already extended his NFL record with five consecutive seasons with 1,000 yards receiving or more.
On an afternoon in which the Chiefs offense was off in every possible way, Kelce still somehow came out smelling like roses with 7 catches for 98 receiving yards and 1 touchdown. That seems crazy to think that any offensive player would be satisfied with his performance, but Kelce is that good and even stands out among his peers—each of whom seemingly run the 40-yard dash in 4.3 seconds.
Up next is a postseason run for the Chiefs, one in which Kelce can further his legacy as a player with games on the biggest stages of all. He’s already a future Hall of Famer who is now earning mention among the best to ever play the game. A strong January showing will greatly enhance that argument.