The Kansas City Chiefs’ early-season struggles have certainly sparked some intense conversations in the NFL, particularly surrounding star tight end Travis Kelce. After a slow start to the season, former All-Pro running back and Chiefs legend Priest Holmes voiced some concerns about Kelce’s performance, suggesting that if Kelce’s struggles continue, the team might need to trade for another offensive playmaker to keep up with the league’s top contenders. These comments have resonated across Chiefs Kingdom, as fans and analysts alike are questioning the current state of the offense and its ability to challenge for a top seed in the playoffs.

The Early Struggles: Kelce’s Slow Start

Through the first three games of the season, Kelce’s numbers have been notably below his usual Hall of Fame standard. With only 10 catches for 134 yards and one touchdown, it’s clear that Kelce hasn’t been the dominant force that the Chiefs and their fans have come to expect. Holmes himself highlighted some of the specific issues, such as Kelce’s timing and the notable drop at the goal line during the Chiefs’ loss to the Eagles. For a player who has historically been the go-to option for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, this slow start is concerning, especially given the high expectations placed on him year after year.

The struggles haven’t been entirely Kelce’s fault, however. The receiver room for the Chiefs has been in flux throughout the season. With wide receiver Rashee Rice serving a six-game suspension and injuries plaguing the unit, Mahomes has been left to rely on a shuffled mix of new and young wide receivers. This has, in turn, put added pressure on Kelce to carry the receiving load. But defenses have adjusted, as expected. Opponents have been playing more conservative coverages, sitting back in two-high safety shells and bracketing Kelce on critical downs. This has forced Mahomes to look elsewhere and narrow down his options, leading to a choppier, less dynamic offense.

The Offense’s Struggles and the Impact on Mahomes

Despite the early struggles, Mahomes has continued to manage the game and protect the football. But he too has faced a different kind of challenge this season. Mahomes, known for his explosive playmaking and ability to extend plays, has found himself in a bit of a bind, thanks to the defensive adjustments teams are making against him. The lack of consistent threats around Kelce has given defenses the luxury of bracketing the star tight end and forcing Mahomes to make plays with other receivers. The space on the field that Kelce usually dominates has evaporated, which in turn has compressed Mahomes’ window of error.

“We’re not putting up fireworks on the scoreboard, but we’re protecting the football and executing where we need to,” Mahomes reflected after a recent game. However, the offense’s margin for error has certainly shrunk, as opposing defenses are daring the Chiefs’ other wideouts to step up. This issue is compounded by the absence of Rice, who was one of the few players to give Mahomes and Kelce consistent chemistry last season. Until Rice returns, Mahomes will continue to deal with an offense that lacks the same level of consistency in the passing game.

Holmes’ Call for a Trade: Does Kansas City Need More Weapons?

Holmes’ suggestion that the Chiefs may need to trade for another playmaker if Kelce’s struggles continue speaks to the narrow margin of error in the AFC. While the Chiefs have managed to steady the ship with a 22-9 win over the Giants, the competition in the AFC remains fierce. Teams like the Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens, and Miami Dolphins are all gunning for the top spots, and without a reliable secondary option alongside Kelce, the Chiefs could find themselves in a tough spot come playoff time.

“The Bills’ steady efficiency, the Ravens’ physicality, and the Dolphins’ track speed make the one seed race razor-thin,” Holmes pointed out. With that in mind, the Chiefs are likely to consider all their options, even if the idea of trading for a wide receiver midseason is a bit premature. A potential trade could bring another veteran pass catcher into the fold to provide Mahomes with another reliable option down the stretch. However, this move would depend on whether or not Kelce and the rest of the offense can work through these struggles without outside help.

The Path Forward: What Needs to Change?

There’s no doubt that the Chiefs have the talent to work through their offensive struggles. Mahomes is still one of the best quarterbacks in the league, and Kelce has been a proven weapon for years. The solution may lie in adjusting the offensive structure rather than relying on sheer star power.

First, Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid will need to get more creative with their offensive game plans. Early deep shots, especially using play-action, can force safeties to widen and loosen up the coverage, creating more space for Kelce’s routes to open up. Additionally, motion and stack looks can help free Kelce from reroutes and make him more difficult to bracket. These strategies would allow Kelce to exploit those soft spots in the defense that he’s so good at finding.

Another crucial adjustment will be using RPOs and glance routes to take advantage of the defense’s aggressiveness. In the absence of Rice, Mahomes and Reid will have to rely on these shorter, faster plays to help the offense stay in rhythm and pick up easy yards. The Chiefs will also need to use tempo to their advantage. By mixing in a no-huddle offense, the Chiefs can catch defenses off guard and prevent them from disguising their coverages.

Isaiah Pacheo’s Role and the Defensive Edge

In a season where the offense has faced its share of challenges, one area where the Chiefs have been able to count on consistency is their defense. Under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, the Chiefs’ defense has been solid, with key takeaways and red-zone stands helping them win games. This defensive reliability has given Mahomes and the offense more opportunities to capitalize on shorter fields and late-game situations. If the defense can continue to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks and create turnovers, it will be easier for the offense to find its rhythm.

Isaiah Pacheo also plays a key role in the offense’s ability to stay balanced. With defenses focusing more on Kelce, the Chiefs’ running game will need to step up. If Pacheo can exploit light boxes, picking up four to six yards per carry, it will force defenses to tighten up and respect the run game. This could open up more opportunities for Mahomes and Kelce to strike on passing plays.

A Look Ahead: The AFC Race

Looking ahead to the AFC playoff race, the Chiefs’ path to a top seed remains uncertain. While it’s still early in the season, Holmes’ comments should serve as a wake-up call. Kansas City can’t afford to rest on its laurels, especially with teams like the Bills, Ravens, and Dolphins looming large. However, with Rice’s return and the offense finding its groove, the Chiefs have the potential to put together a late-season run.

The real key for the Chiefs will be finding a way to get Kelce back to his dominant self while continuing to develop chemistry with other key offensive players. This won’t be an easy task, but Mahomes, Reid, and the rest of the team know that it’s possible. If they can make the right adjustments, stay healthy, and execute when it matters, the Chiefs will once again be in contention for the top spot in the AFC.

Fan Questions for Chiefs Kingdom

If you were Brett Veach, would you consider a mid-season trade for a wide receiver or trust Kelce and Rice to carry the passing game?
What’s the one play call you would lean on to get Kelce rolling again: Option stick, deep over, or seam off play-action?
Which AFC contender worries you the most come January: The Bills, the Ravens, or the Dolphins?

As the season progresses, the Chiefs will need to refine their offense, and all eyes will be on Mahomes and Kelce to lead the way. But with the support of the defense and strategic adjustments, Kansas City remains a force to be reckoned with in the AFC.