Despite worse stats, Chiefs' Travis Kelce says he's the same player

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Travis Kelce said that despite his slow start to the season, he is the same player he was earlier in his career when he posted 1,000-yard seasons.

“I think the stats might say something different this year, but at the same time you're going to see the same person in this building and that's all I really care about,” Kelce said. “I am my own worst critic.” Everything outside this building is just noise.

“I'm lucky. I've had success in the past and I realized that the ball can't always go to one person. He can't always get into my hands, but at the same time I got everything. “Trust (Patrick Mahomes) to make the right decision and he's made great decisions. We may not get as many points as we wanted, but at the same time we are 3-0, and that means we are “doing something right.”

Kelce has eight catches for 69 yards and no touchdowns heading into Sunday's Kansas City Chiefs game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Last year, his tight end record of seven consecutive 1,000-yard seasons was broken when he sat out the final game and came up 16 yards short.

Kelce turns 35 on October 5, but has hinted that he is as physically capable as ever.

“I’m ready to rock,” he said.

Without getting much production from Kelce, the Chiefs have turned to other players. Rashee Rice is their leading receiver, backup tight end Noah Gray averages four more yards per catch than Kelce, and rookie Carson Steele was their leading rusher last week against the Atlanta Falcons.

“I love the way Rashee played,” Kelce said. “He's fun to play with and one of my favorite guys in the building.” We trust Noah more. It's great to see him go out there and do the things he can do and he's just such a versatile player.

“Plus (Steele), I think having guys step up to the plate and make plays for us and help us win ballgames is the most fun part of it so far this year, in my opinion.”

Kelce said opponents are playing softer coverage against the Chiefs this season than in previous years. The Chiefs are 14th in the league in yards allowed but seventh in points.

“I think there's some understanding that we have to keep working and we're not where we want to be yet,” he said. “We want to win every single ballgame we can, and do it at the same time.” Sometimes as the week goes on, there's a sense of urgency to get things right for the opponent we're playing. And on top of that, when we look at the recaps of the games, we are constantly trying to criticize ourselves to get better.”