EXCLUSIVE: Ex-Falcons HC Mike Smith explains why Chiefs receivers deserve credit for helping Travis Kelce stack record-breaking numbers
Kansas City Chiefs superstar Travis Kelce set an impressive record in his team's win over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 11. The tight end finished the game with 115 receiving yards, marking the 33rd time in his career that he has managed at least 100 receiving yards in a game.
Kelce surpassed former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski. Gronkowski recorded 32 games with at least 100 receiving yards in his storied career. Kelce has also hauled in 12 touchdowns in 11 games this season, which is already a career-high for the tight end.
Kelce's teammate and former league MVP Patrick Mahomes called him "the greatest tight end in NFL history" after the Chiefs' close win over the Chargers.
Mike Smith explains how Chiefs offense plays big role in Travis Kelce's success
Last week, former Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith joined host Reggie Roberts on Sportskeeda's BallFather Podcast. He explained how Travis Kelce's teammates on the Kansas City Chiefs roster helped him maximize output on the field. He said:
"The thing that the Chiefs have is it's just not those [Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce], you know. They've got a bunch of guys that really do. They got playmakers, you know, you got Juju Smith Schuster, Marques Valdes-Scalding you got [Jerrick] McKinnon you got Mecole Hardman, Clyde Edwards-Helaire. So they can spread it around."
Smith also explained why defensive coordinators can't put two defenders on Kelce:
"So if you try to double Kelce, you're gonna get in trouble. You know, you're gonna get in trouble and you got to put resources in other areas. That's why he has the chance to make those plays and Mahomes knows he can drop a dime on him at any time because he's gonna catch it."
Watch the entire discussion below:
Smith's assessment is backed by what Patrick Mahomes said in the aftermath of the Chiefs' win over the Chargers. The quarterback said he goes through his reads during plays, unless he spots Travis Kelce in man-to-man coverage:
"If he's man-to-man, I'm going to give him a chance. He's going to win most of them. [Chargers safety] Derwin [James] is going to win his battles because he's probably the best safety in the league. But I'm going to give my guy a chance because I know how special he is.''
Having Mahomes as the quarterback and head coach Andy Reid orchestrating the offense has certainly helped elevate Travis Kelce. Now he is one of the greatest tight ends of all time.
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