Travis Kelce had an enjoyable streak come to an end last season. After seven consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons, the tight end fell just short last season. He finished with 984 receiving yards in the 2023 regular season. And even with a chance to get 16 or more yards in a brief showing in the regular season finale, Kelce opted to receive rest before a crucial playoff run, rather than pad more stats.
Now entering 2024, Travis Kelce is looking for another strong season after he battled through injuries all last season. An early knee injury kept him out of the regular season opener last year. Meanwhile, the ankle injury he suffered in Minnesota proved to be a nagging issue throughout the campaign. With better health and a revamped Kansas City skill room, Kelce could easily get back to having a 1,000-yard receiving season.
What are the elements that could help Travis Kelce get back to 1,000 yards? Here are a few to keep in mind with a retooled wide receiver room around him.
More Speed For Defenses To Worry About
The Chiefs have always had plenty of speed to worry about in the Andy Reid era. But entering 2024, that quickness was heightened to a new level. By adding just Hollywood Brown and Xavier Worthy, you have two receivers that could reimagine the legion of zoom days that KC developed in the early days of Patrick Mahomes starting. Additionally, Rashee Rice is turning heads within the Chiefs' locker room, due to the conditioning and shape that he is entering this season with.
With all of this pure speed in hand, Travis Kelce could easily see more room to work with inside of the offense this season. His improvisation during routes is always going to lead to some added room to work with. But overall, Kelce may be able to see less help directly the over the top. As crazy as that sounds, due to the greatness of the tight end, Travis will not be the only one looking to push the play among Chiefs pass catchers. All of this speed and quickness could certainly offer Kelce chances to sit down and wait for passes to come his way in voided areas.
We already saw these speed demons make their presence felt on opening night. Worthy blew by everyone for each of his touchdowns against the Baltimore Ravens. Meanwhile, Rice also was able to add some yards after the catch with some impressive increased quickness after securing the ball. The more of that, the better for the potential matchups that Travis Kelce may see.
Extra Rest, Added Maintenace May Serve Kelce Well
Travis Kelce discussed that he altered his training routine this offseason. With another year added to the tires, the tight end is hoping to remain in tip-top shape throughout another grinding season. After all, the Chiefs have played more football than anyone over the last few years, due to the continued trips to the Super Bowl. Being ready for 17 regular season games and potentially a few playoff games is obviously a tougher grind each and every season.
And with that in mind, the Chiefs even added some new faces to the tight end room. Jared Wiley was a fourth-round pick of Kansas City this past April. And just before the initial 53-man roster was announced, the Chiefs also went out and traded for Peyton Hendershot from the Dallas Cowboys. Having those extra faces behind Noah Gray can allow KC to rest and maintain Kelce at various points in games this season. It does not mean that he will be totally unavailable in the majority of contests. Though, Kelce does not have to handle an overzealous workload, if the team wants to keep him fresh for later in the year. Can the production grow, due to some extra rest?
Mahomes Looking To Attack Downfield More Often
Much has been made about Patrick Mahomes throwing the ball at the line of scrimmage or not much beyond it after last season. But even with that, he was able to lead the Chiefs to another Super Bowl win. Mahomes has learned how to take what the defense is giving him. At the same time, he has a great understanding of when to force things into tight windows and when to utilize his legs. But in 2024, there is a sense that Mahomes is looking to push it and attack down the field more often.
Mahomes may not have to launch it as far to Travis Kelce. But even with an increase in his yards per attempt figure, Kelce may not have as many catches close to the line of scrimmage. The tight end's understanding of leverage and landmarks is as smooth as anyone. And with Mahomes having a quick release, there is no worry that the Chiefs can push Kelce up the field on corner routes or even on spot routes. If the downfield passing truly resonates, Kelce can surely get in on that action and get back to having a huge season, in terms of production.
Opening Night Reminds Everyone Of Mahomes-Kelce Magic
Travis Kelce was not the leading receiver for the Chiefs on opening night. However, he still garnered 34 yards on three receptions, good enough for an average of 11.3 yards per reception. The only target that Kelce did not haul in was a drop off his fingertips within the red zone. But with the different ways in which Kansas City got the ball to the tight end on Thursday night, the opportunities are still going to be endless.
Mahomes passed Len Dawson for franchise passing yards leader. And in Mahomes fashion, it came when he extended the play, and Kelce improvised his route to work into a soft area. Kelce also had another catch via a quick pass in the middle of the field. And in the end, he was also able to gain some yards on a reception out in the flat. With those two connecting in numerous ways at this point in his career still, it will be challenging for defenses to have all the answers once again.