Travis Kelce expresses frustration after narrow win over Buccaneers: "I wasn't happy with the performance"
The Chiefs extended their unbeaten streak with a thrilling 30-24 victory over the Buccaneers at Arrowhead Stadium on Monday night. A two-yard touchdown run by RB Kareem Hunt sealed the deal, propelling the Chiefs to an 8-0 record.
As usual, the Chiefs were elated after the win, including WR Travis Kelce.
Initially, Kelce credited the team's late-game heroics to their offensive prowess. However, just a day later, the 35-year-old took a different stance on the victory. Speaking to his brother Jason Kelce on their "New Heights" podcast, Travis admitted:
"I just wasn't happy with the performance, even watching it today."
Travis Kelce appreciates their narrow victory over the Bucs
Despite the Chiefs being heavy favorites with -433 odds, the Buccaneers (+337 underdogs) put up a fierce fight, making the overtime win more impressive. Kelce emphasized the importance of not giving the Buccaneers any opportunities.
"You know, a team like the Buccaneers, who you give them confidence, then they can hang in there with you..."
He acknowledged the special nature of the win and commended his teammates for their efforts. He also expressed satisfaction with the team's decision to attempt a field goal in the final moments.
However, Kelce also took responsibility for his own mistakes, particularly a dropped pass in the third quarter and a fumble in the first half.
"We kicked ourselves in the foot in the first half," he said. "Myself, personally, did not play great, both pass game, run game. I know I came up big on a few plays here and there on that first drive."
His brother Jason was surprised by Travis' self-criticism, to which he replied:
"It was right after I fumbled the ball."
Overall, Travis believed the Chiefs' offense was not at its best.
Travis Kelce puts up a performance on Monday
Kelce is aware that the Chiefs’ victory margins aren’t as big as last year's but he predicted that the outbursts are on the way when he was interviewed by ESPN’s Scott Pelt.
“At least not yet, we're working on it. We're working on it," said Kelce. "Chiefs Kingdom just stick with us on offense, baby. We're gonna keep putting up touchdowns, man."
Despite his self-assessment, Kelce had an impressive game, hauling in 14 catches for 100 yards, surpassing his previous Monday Night Football performance of 10 catches for 90 yards. He acknowledged the strong performance and recognized it as a personal best for a Monday Night game.