Chiefs Share Insights on Travis Kelce’s Drop: Why There’s Still Hope for a Comeback at 0-2

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Travis Kelce walked off the field after a tough loss. The Kansas City Chiefs fell to the Philadelphia Eagles 20-17 at Arrowhead Stadium. One moment haunted Kelce—a drop that turned into an interception in the fourth quarter.

When he was leaving, defensive end George Karlaftis joined him. He offered words of support: “Back to work.”

The Chiefs are now 0-2 for the first time since 2014. It’s a far cry from their previous Super Bowl trips, and now they face a real challenge for a playoff spot.

Kelce, who was silent with reporters post-game, surely felt the weight of his mistake. The game shifted in a crucial moment. With just minutes left, the Chiefs were down 13-10 and driving toward the end zone. On a second-and-goal play, quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw a pass to Kelce. But Kelce didn’t time it right, letting the ball slip through his hands. Eagles safety Andrew Mukuba grabbed the interception, tipping the scales in Philadelphia’s favor.

This wasn’t just a game-changing moment; it cost the Chiefs significantly. The win probability dropped from 53% to 24% due to that play, as noted by advanced stats.

Coach Andy Reid reflected on the issue, saying, “We can’t have the turnover.” Mahomes thought he could have aimed a better pass. “If I could have put it more on his body, it might have worked out,” he said.

During the postgame talks, despite the disappointment, the players showed determination. “It’s about how you deal with adversity,” Mahomes remarked. They all agreed: this team would stick together and work through the challenges ahead.

Karlaftis emphasized unity, stating, “We’re going to rally behind each other.” Linebacker Leo Chenal added, “We’re pissed off about this one, but we’re not going to hang our heads.”

Historically, the Chiefs have faced an uphill battle after starting 0-2. They’ve done it 15 times before, making the playoffs only once in those instances. Mahomes noted that the mistakes being made are unusual for this team, but he sees hope in the effort to improve.

Next up is a road game against the New York Giants on “Sunday Night Football.” The spotlight will shine even brighter as discussions swirl around whether the Chiefs have lost their signature edge this season.

As for Karlaftis, he’s stepped up in leadership roles, not only cheering on veterans like Kelce but also guiding younger players. He knows what it takes to succeed, saying, “It’s whatever it takes for this team to win.”

This spirit will be essential as the Chiefs look to turn their season around.



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