The Kansas City Chiefs took a 20-17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2. For the first time in Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes‘ career, the franchise is starting a season 0-2.
Kansas City was on the brink of taking the lead early in the fourth quarter when Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce fumbled a catch near the end zone. The ball bounced up into the hands of Eagles safety Andrew Mukuba, and the turnover led to what turned out to be Philadelphia’s game-winning touchdown.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Mahomes took responsibility for the turnover, blaming his throw coming “a tad too early.”
“Just trying to put it on his body low before that hole player got there. I think if I can put it more on his body, and not so far out in front of him, then he can catch it, take the hit, and get in the end zone… It was just unfortunate the ball bounced up in the air and went right to [Mukuba].”
Kelce finished with four catches for 71 yards against the Eagles. Even before his turnover, however, Kelce’s dissatisfaction with the team’s performance was on full display. During the second quarter, he slammed his helmet on the ground and yelled, “I’m sick of this [expletive].”
After the clip went viral, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid sent a strong message on his veteran tight end’s behavior.
Andy Reid Chalked Up Chiefs TE Travis Kelce’s Outburst
Amid his 13th season as Kelce’s coach, Reid made it clear there’s nothing to be concerned about when it comes to the 10-time Pro Bowler.
“Listen, he was trying to get guys fired up and going,” Reid said. “That’s him. He’s that way every week if you keep an eye on him so he’s all-in all the time. That’s the way he was today.”
During the preseason, Reid spoke highly of Kelce, Mahomes, and defensive tackle Chris Jones as leaders on the team, which sometimes includes tough love. “They’re hard on them when they goof up, which I’m okay with. Peer pressure is good pressure,” he said.
Video of Kelce screaming at Reid during Super Bowl LVIII went viral in February 2024. Reid brushed off that incident, as well.
(via @NFLonCBS)
He keeps me young,” Reid told reporters after the Chiefs‘ overtime win. “It tested that hip out. He caught me off balance. Usually, I’d give him a little bit [back], but I didn’t have any feet under me.”
Andy Reid Also Addressed Travis Kelce & Other Chiefs Players Wearing ‘Free 4’ Rashee Rice T-Shirts
While warming up at Arrowhead Stadium, Kelce took the field wearing a “Free 4” t-shirt in reference to Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice.
Hollywood Brown and Tyquan Thornton also rocked the shirt in support of Rice, who’s serving a six-game suspension stemming after “pleading guilty to two third-degree felony charges of collision involving serious bodily injury and racing on a highway causing bodily injury stemming from a crash in March of 2024,” CBS News reported.
Considering Rice was driving nearly 120 miles an hour on North Central Expressway in Dallas and fled the scene after the six-vehicle accident, the decision to wear those shirts faced immediate backlash from numerous fans and analysts.
Reid spoke about the shirts during Monday’s press conference. “I would tell you, the guys love Rashee, and they feel for him sitting out here. And so I think it’s no more than that.
“I just think that those guys, they love the kid and want them to feel part of it in their own way. I really don’t think it’s anything more than that.”
Chiefs Coach Andy Reid Sends Clear Message on Travis Kelce’s Behavior