Kelce is approaching the "Is he the best TE ever?" territory, and in fact may already be there. The string of seasons he's put together has been an incredible run, and his production has been incredibly consistent even through coaching and QB changes.
Will he end up being the Jerry Rice of TEs by the end of his career?
It's all going to depend on how his health holds up. The way he wins should age very, very well, even if he drops off in a few years from otherworldly to merely "very good."
He, the team, and Chiefs fans have been very fortunate that he's been relatively healthy these past few years. An injury to Kelce completely changes the look of their offense, and reduces their options significantly.
The amount that they rely on him to be great is tough to overstate. The only reason he's not UNQUESTIONABLY the 2nd most important player on the team is Tyreek Hill's greatness. And even then, I think Kelce is the pretty clear choice. Then Hill. Then Chris Jones. Then a debate.
I'd say it's close but Kelce definitely gets the nod. Glad they spent a little capital this off-season to develop some depth behind him. Hope Gray knows how lucky he is to be learning from the best.
The Chiefs have been blessed with two of the greatest tight ends ever in Kelce and Tony G. I would love to see a film comparison between the two. My off the cuff thought is that Kelce is a somewhat better route runner and a much better YAC threat, while Tony was more physical and better at contested catches. Tony was great and changed the nature of the position, but if I had to pick one in his prime I think I would go with Kelce. Although I can remember some boneheaded drops, so I don’t know…
Tony had better hands, which isn't a shot at Kelce. It's just that Tony was incredible. They're both terrific athletes and route runners, but I've never seen any TE run routes the way Kelce does.
Why is Kelce not seen as the best TE in NFL? His 1000-yard streak is not just with Mahomes. He has been consistently great for so long but he is not the consensus "best TE?" I realize such judgments across media platforms are extremely subjective but I cannot see anything he is missing. He has even learned to channel his emotions so that no one really remembers that flaw and the troubles it used to cause. Does he have a recognized weakness that I am missing? Do the media influencers on such subjective matters not see what is in the film?
It's been a fascinating journey watching the way people talk about Kelce. The short answer, IMO, is that his stats are so comically better and more consistent than anyone else's that people try to find a way to dismiss them. But the bigger reason is that people overestimate the importance of being a dominant inline blocker to the TE position, and because Kelce (while a decent blocker) doesn't fit that mold they knock him for it
Inline blockers are the most important position in this run heavy league. SMH Great offense IS all about taking someone away from their "otherworldly" skills to do something they are just good at so they can really tank the team EPA. It's a brilliant argument... Hard to counter that solid logic from these other mouthpieces. đŸ˜‚
THIS is why you're the absolute best at in-depth Chiefs analysis, Seth. Your use of video to fortify the point you're making is so spot on, in conjunction with your precise descriptions that border on homerific. For example, the manner in which you use multiple angles and slow motion to break down every step of Denzel Ward's undressing is priceless. Dude is likely still looking for his jock.
The only mystery here is why every Chiefs fan isn't throwing money at you to consume every CitNN article. Must be that exorbitant price tag. đŸ¤”
In related news, I was left wanting from the lack of video on your recent breakdown of Frank Clark's legal issues. A couple of Perry Mason clips or a Columbo "Ah-ha!" moment would have been spectacular. đŸ˜†
And you're far too modest. After 60 years of existence and over 50 as a crazed Chiefs fan, I have a rather extensive pool of material to choose from and the content here is the best value in subscription journalism bar none. Thanks for all you do.
Longevity is going to play a role, and I think it's always going to be difficult to silence the "peak Gronk was the best' crowd, but I think there's an argument to be made here.
Every time Kelce makes I big play I yell "The White Knight!!!!" Idk why?? Maybe because those dark Knight Batman movies are some of my favorites, and I could see kelces brilliance around the same time they were popular movies. Idk.. But I've been trying to convince people of travis kelces greatness for a LONG time now. Even with Alex Smith at QB, the subtlety and nuance in his movement and route running is 2nd to none. These days, I dont have to argue his case anymore when I'm watching a game with my buddies. Travis does it himself. I just sit back and smile after every great play and tell them all, "how long have I been tellin y'all hes the best???"
Personally, id like to see some freak play reviews from basically ANY of Tyreek Hills early career plays back in like 2016 before he was regarded a #1 WR,, and people still thought he was a gadget only player. I think Hill has worked extremely hard at his craft over the years. And in those early years, Andy Reid was still figuring out what exactly he had in the Cheetah.. But I remember that gave IN Denver about 5 years ago, might have been Hills rookie season, Hill SINGLE HANDEDLY won that game for us!!! If I remember correctly it might have been Cairo Santos' made-doink FG in overtime, THAT game. Where hill had a punt return TD, a rushing TD, and a receiving TD, every score we had, single handedly beating the donkeys IN Denver. Amazing game, with several examples of "freak play"
Love this series! By the way, it's Kelce not Kelce lol
Kelce is approaching the "Is he the best TE ever?" territory, and in fact may already be there. The string of seasons he's put together has been an incredible run, and his production has been incredibly consistent even through coaching and QB changes.
Will he end up being the Jerry Rice of TEs by the end of his career?
It's all going to depend on how his health holds up. The way he wins should age very, very well, even if he drops off in a few years from otherworldly to merely "very good."
He, the team, and Chiefs fans have been very fortunate that he's been relatively healthy these past few years. An injury to Kelce completely changes the look of their offense, and reduces their options significantly.
The amount that they rely on him to be great is tough to overstate. The only reason he's not UNQUESTIONABLY the 2nd most important player on the team is Tyreek Hill's greatness. And even then, I think Kelce is the pretty clear choice. Then Hill. Then Chris Jones. Then a debate.
I'd say it's close but Kelce definitely gets the nod. Glad they spent a little capital this off-season to develop some depth behind him. Hope Gray knows how lucky he is to be learning from the best.
That first play is the sickest route EVER!
By the way, I appreciate the Maslowski love. Maslowski and Jared Allen are among my favorite all time defenders of Chiefs past! Great article!
I will die on the "03 Chiefs could've won it all with Maz" hill.
a nod to Smith but imagine him with Mahomes his whole career without a wasted injured rookie season in 2013.......
Here's hoping that Gray soaks up everything Kelce has to teach him so he can develop and hope he'll become 80% of what Kelce is....
Love Freak Play Friday!
I want more on your 2003 theory! Would be a good off-season article this or next year
I may need to write on this for sure. It's tough because training camp starts REALLY soon!
Better start typing! Lol!
That's why I said next off-season. You can't just drop a bomb like "would have won 2003 Superbowl" and not elaborate!
It does sound like a lot of fun hahaha
The Chiefs have been blessed with two of the greatest tight ends ever in Kelce and Tony G. I would love to see a film comparison between the two. My off the cuff thought is that Kelce is a somewhat better route runner and a much better YAC threat, while Tony was more physical and better at contested catches. Tony was great and changed the nature of the position, but if I had to pick one in his prime I think I would go with Kelce. Although I can remember some boneheaded drops, so I don’t know…
Tony had better hands, which isn't a shot at Kelce. It's just that Tony was incredible. They're both terrific athletes and route runners, but I've never seen any TE run routes the way Kelce does.
Why is Kelce not seen as the best TE in NFL? His 1000-yard streak is not just with Mahomes. He has been consistently great for so long but he is not the consensus "best TE?" I realize such judgments across media platforms are extremely subjective but I cannot see anything he is missing. He has even learned to channel his emotions so that no one really remembers that flaw and the troubles it used to cause. Does he have a recognized weakness that I am missing? Do the media influencers on such subjective matters not see what is in the film?
Great question. I would like to know that too. Kittle is not even close to being on Kelce level.
It's been a fascinating journey watching the way people talk about Kelce. The short answer, IMO, is that his stats are so comically better and more consistent than anyone else's that people try to find a way to dismiss them. But the bigger reason is that people overestimate the importance of being a dominant inline blocker to the TE position, and because Kelce (while a decent blocker) doesn't fit that mold they knock him for it
Inline blockers are the most important position in this run heavy league. SMH Great offense IS all about taking someone away from their "otherworldly" skills to do something they are just good at so they can really tank the team EPA. It's a brilliant argument... Hard to counter that solid logic from these other mouthpieces. đŸ˜‚
A high-school QB converted to TE that only had one good year of college ball.
Kudos to John Dorsey for picking him when he did.
Many thought Tyler Eifert and Zach Ertz were the only tight ends worth drafting... LOL.
Could be the best 3rd round draft pick of all time?
The funny thing is his college tape was exceptional. I'm still surprised there wasn't more buzz on him.
It was the red flags. He was suspended his entire sophomore season. Here is a good refresher article. https://www.stack.com/a/travis-kelce/
I remember, it's surprising to me though considering the nature of why he was suspended.
THIS is why you're the absolute best at in-depth Chiefs analysis, Seth. Your use of video to fortify the point you're making is so spot on, in conjunction with your precise descriptions that border on homerific. For example, the manner in which you use multiple angles and slow motion to break down every step of Denzel Ward's undressing is priceless. Dude is likely still looking for his jock.
The only mystery here is why every Chiefs fan isn't throwing money at you to consume every CitNN article. Must be that exorbitant price tag. đŸ¤”
In related news, I was left wanting from the lack of video on your recent breakdown of Frank Clark's legal issues. A couple of Perry Mason clips or a Columbo "Ah-ha!" moment would have been spectacular. đŸ˜†
haha you're far too kind, and I've already had more people subscribe than I ever thought possible!
A missed opportunity to include Perry Mason, to be sure. Love that show.
I think you're more Matlock!
And you're far too modest. After 60 years of existence and over 50 as a crazed Chiefs fan, I have a rather extensive pool of material to choose from and the content here is the best value in subscription journalism bar none. Thanks for all you do.
He's already the greatest tight end ever. The rest of his career will just be accumulating the stats to shut up any doubters.
Longevity is going to play a role, and I think it's always going to be difficult to silence the "peak Gronk was the best' crowd, but I think there's an argument to be made here.
Lets get an article on 2003! I was but a lad then, a heart broken 8th grader. No one told me it was okay then, so tell me 2003 was okay now Seth!
It was a fun season to watch at least!
Will freak play friday have to be a multi part series for Hill and Mahomes?
Ha, I could do one about them every single week!
Every time Kelce makes I big play I yell "The White Knight!!!!" Idk why?? Maybe because those dark Knight Batman movies are some of my favorites, and I could see kelces brilliance around the same time they were popular movies. Idk.. But I've been trying to convince people of travis kelces greatness for a LONG time now. Even with Alex Smith at QB, the subtlety and nuance in his movement and route running is 2nd to none. These days, I dont have to argue his case anymore when I'm watching a game with my buddies. Travis does it himself. I just sit back and smile after every great play and tell them all, "how long have I been tellin y'all hes the best???"
Personally, id like to see some freak play reviews from basically ANY of Tyreek Hills early career plays back in like 2016 before he was regarded a #1 WR,, and people still thought he was a gadget only player. I think Hill has worked extremely hard at his craft over the years. And in those early years, Andy Reid was still figuring out what exactly he had in the Cheetah.. But I remember that gave IN Denver about 5 years ago, might have been Hills rookie season, Hill SINGLE HANDEDLY won that game for us!!! If I remember correctly it might have been Cairo Santos' made-doink FG in overtime, THAT game. Where hill had a punt return TD, a rushing TD, and a receiving TD, every score we had, single handedly beating the donkeys IN Denver. Amazing game, with several examples of "freak play"