Travis Kelce’s record-breaking performance spearheaded the Chiefs’ 17-10 win over the Chargers in Inglewood on Sunday night – moving Kansas City to 4-0 this season.
Despite Taylor Swift skipping the game in Southern California, the Chiefs tight end got off to a good start by breaking the franchise record for most receptions.
Kelce recorded his 917th reception in red and white within the first half. The feat broke Tony Gonzalez’s record of 916 catches.
The defending Super Bowl champions trailed 10-0 at the start of the game and came back in the second half to snatch the win from the Chargers.
His performance shut down critics as Kelce had a rough start to the season despite the Chiefs’ flawless record across the first four games.
Kelce has been under fire for his underwhelming performances in the first three games with eight receptions for 69 yards and zero touchdowns – which are low counts for his standards.
Nonetheless, Kelce rode the momentum of his hot start against the Chargers and nearly topped his numbers in the first three games in one outing.
Kelce made seven receptions in nine targets for 89 yards. However, he is still waiting for his first touchdown of the season.
While Kelce came to life to the Chiefs Kingdom’s delight, Patrick Mahomes completed 19 of 29 attempts for 245 yards and a touchdown. The three-time Super Bowl MVP was intercepted once and sacked three times.
The Chiefs’ touchdowns came courtesy of running back Samaje Perine and receiver Xavier Worthy. Kicker Harrison Butker’s right foot also authored five of the Chiefs’ points in the victory.
On the other hand, Los Angeles’ quarterback Justin Herbert made 16 of 27 passes for 179 yards and a touchdown – which he connected with Ladd McConkey.
Los Angeles came into Sunday’s game behind consecutive wins over the Raiders and Panthers before losing to the Steelers in Week 3. The defeat now moves them to a 2-2 record.
While Swift was not in the venue to cheer for Kelce, he received backing from his wide receiver ahead of kickoff at SoFi Stadium.
Before Sunday’s game, Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice and fellow wideouts showed their support for Kelce amid his rough start by sporting custom Travis Kelce shirts.
The vintage style shirts featured a collage of Kelce’s pictures with ‘Travis’ printed in red on top of the front and the tight end’s surname in gold at the bottom. The back has the world ‘Dreamathon’ printed in gold on top and three photos of Kelce celebrating under it.
According to CBS Sports’ Tracy Wolfson, ‘Rashee Rice got them for all the WRs to honor their leader and a guy who has mentored all of them especially Rice.’
Aside from his newly-earned record, Kelce holds the most receiving touchdowns, receptions, receiving yards, and scrimmage yards in the postseason for the Chiefs. The tight end has 19 receiving touchdowns, 165 receptions, 1,903 receiving yards, and 1,910 scrimmage yards in the playoffs.
Sunday’s matchup is the second straight game Swift has been absent from after gracing the Chiefs’ first two matchups against the Ravens and Bengals with her presence.
The Chiefs started their season with a 27-20 win over the Ravens, a 26-25 win over the Bengals, and a 22-17 victory over the Falcons.
Kansas City hopes to continue their unbeaten streak against the New Orleans Saints on October 8.
