Travis Kelce admits he has ‘a lot’ of room for improvement after his remarkable NFL reception record came to an end against the Bengals.
The Chiefs tight end had recorded at least three catches in every NFL game since September 2018.
It was the longest streak in NFL history, lasting 114 games – 33 more than the next best (Antonio Brown, 81 games).
Kelce has come in for criticism following Kansas City’s 26-25 win over Cincinnati, when he had only one reception for just five yards.
Stephen A. Smith warned the 34-year-old – whose relationship with Taylor Swift has dominated the NFL over the past 12 months – that his ‘honeymoon’ period was over.
‘We saw more of Taylor Swift than we saw of Travis Kelce yesterday,’ Smith said. ‘You’ve got to get going, you’ve got 39 receiving yards in the first two games. Come on now. Football season is here’
Speaking on the latest episode of his New Heights podcast, Kelce held up his hands and conceded that he could have done more to help the back-to-back Super Bowl champions.
‘I think that I can improve a lot for my guys and be there for Pat (Mahomes) in a lot of different situations,’ the tight end said.
‘It takes a lot of things to go right for someone to get the football, I’m just fortunate that Coach (Andy) Reid and this offensive staff has given me the opportunity and have the confidence that I’ll get it done.’
He added: ‘I could have played better man, it is what it is. I could have played better, could have run better routes, could have got out a little bit faster.
‘It’s Monday morning quarterback, you see things better after the game and realize how you could have played better and been better for your teammate. I’ve always had that accountability, I’ve always been my worst critic and will always be my worst critic.’
Following the game, Mahomes backed Kelce to rediscover his best form as the Chiefs chase a historic three-peat.
‘We played two opponents we play a lot and they have a plan for how they’re going to account for Travis, but as the season goes he’s going to get his catches and he’s going to get his yards,’ the quarterback said.
