The Kansas City Chiefs have started their season as expected for the reigning back-to-back champions, with two nail-biting finishes against tough AFC contenders.
In the season opener, the Chiefs defeated the Baltimore Ravens 27-20, and in their second game, they narrowly beat Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals 26-25 with a last-second field goal.
The game-ending field goal was set up by a controversial, yet seemingly clear, pass interference call on Rashee Rice, who last season set the record for most receptions by a rookie in a single postseason (26).
Rice has quickly become Patrick Mahomes’ favorite target, especially with Travis Kelce absent for the first two games.
Travis Kelce’s Take on the Pass Interference Call
This season, Travis Kelce has only recorded four receptions for 39 yards and has yet to convert a first down. Despite his limited production, the Chiefs have managed to come out on top against AFC rivals, though some have questioned the legitimacy of their latest win.
The pass interference call against the Bengals allowed the Chiefs to extend a drive, which ended with a 51-yard game-winning field goal by Harrison Butker. On his podcast “New Heights,” Kelce addressed the call, saying, “There were flags on both teams late. Obviously, the Bengals got the, the last of that with the pass interference at the end.” You can see it clearly in the video.
Kelce’s statement, “I’m not gonna argue for this point. I think we need to keep ourselves out of that situation so we don’t have to rely on the officials,” resonates with the Chiefs’ confidence in their ability to win games without relying on controversial calls. Some fans have speculated that the league, or even Kelce’s girlfriend Taylor Swift, is behind the supposed favoritism towards the Chiefs. However, as Kelce hints, having Mahomes on their side is the real reason the Chiefs can pull off last-minute victories, regardless of the circumstances.
THE CHIEFS GET A HUGE DEFENSIVE PASS INTERFERENCE CALL.
Thoughts on the contact? pic.twitter.com/IebUOrjDkv
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulli) September 15, 2024
Mahomes and the Chiefs’ passing attack will face even more pressure now that Isaiah Pacheco is out for six to eight weeks after fracturing his right fibula in the Bengals game. With Clyde Edwards-Helaire also sidelined, the Chiefs signed former running back Kareem Hunt to the practice squad. Hunt, who previously played for the Chiefs, might make his season debut on Sunday Night in a highly anticipated game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
This touchdown. This angle. pic.twitter.com/4UucsAo0tv
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) September 18, 2024
The Chiefs’ schedule remains tough after that. In Week 4, they face their first divisional matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, followed by a home game against the undefeated New Orleans Saints. The bye week will provide a much-needed rest before the Chiefs take on the San Francisco 49ers in a Super Bowl rematch, potentially marking the return of Christian McCaffrey for the 49ers.
