The NFL is a game of narrow margins and few clear paths to victory. For years, the Kansas City Chiefs have managed to blur those lines and find creative ways to achieve high-end success. Thus far in the 2025-26 campaign, however, they aren’t getting as many fortunate bounces nor executing in high-stakes situations.
One particular play from Week 2’s 20-17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles served as a prime example of that. Tight end Travis Kelce dropped a pass that wound up as an interception for the visitors. That subsequently paved the way for their victory, and Kelce didn’t speak to the media following the game. His costly mistake has lingered since Sunday afternoon.
On a September 17 episode of his “New Heights” podcast, Kelce issued his first public comments on the game-changing play.
Travis Kelce Responds to Drop-Turned-Interception in Week 2
Kelce didn’t shy away from owning his error this time.
He told his brother Jason that the play isn’t on anyone else. Not quarterback Patrick Mahomes for his throw, not the offensive line for where they were, not another pass catcher for their spacing. It’s his mishap, and his only.
“The ball was where it needed to be, when it needed to be there,” Kelce said. “I’ve just got to get my head around out of the break, and I shot you that text telling you that. It’s one of those plays where it happens bang-bang. I know that’s the window it needs to be in. I know it’s coming out of armpits and earholes of the offense and defensive line getting their hands up. I’ve just got to be able to get my head up right now so I don’t put myself in a position to let the ball surprise me like that.
“It’s frustrating, man. I’ve scored on that play a million times in my life. Obviously, exaggerating, but it’s something that should’ve never happened. It cost us, it cost us big-time. That [expletive] hurts, but we’ll get it fixed.”
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That play was deemed the most impactful for the Chiefs, according to advanced box score data from rbsdm.com. Not only did it cost the team 7.1 expected points added, but it shifted their win probability from 53% to 24%. On the Eagles‘ ensuing drive, a deep ball to wideout DeVonta Smith essentially sealed Kansas City’s fate.
As a result, the Chiefs are 0-2 for the first time in the Mahomes era.
Kelce Trusts Chiefs’ Leadership to Right the Ship Moving Forward
Fortunately, this isn’t a typical 0-2 start. Kansas City has lost both of its opening games against quality teams and in close fashion. It’s also done it with two top receivers, Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy, missing time. There are plenty of moving pieces to account for, in addition to other context.
The Chiefs also have the leadership in place to turn this thing around. Teams don’t have a dynastic run like this on accident. Head coach Andy Reid runs a tight ship, which Kansas City hopes will soon reverse course.
Kelce thinks Reid is the top man to answer this challenge.
“Coach Reid does it the best, man,” Kelce said. “I follow his lead on a lot of that kind of stuff. When he asks me to, you know, pick the juice up or start playing with some piss and vinegar, or however you want to say it. ‘How about we take the [expletive] tuxedo off and put the blue jeans on, baby? Let’s get this thing rolling.’ I think coach Reid does it the best, man. I just follow his lead in that department.”
A Sunday Night Football meeting with the New York Giants, another winless club, is a great time for Kelce and the Chiefs to get back on track.
Travis Kelce Speaks on Mistake in Chiefs’ Week 2 Loss