Why it's IMPOSSIBLE to Cover Travis Kelce

[@ThinkingFootball]

Who do you want us to cover next week?

[@Lor-bamm]

Lamar💜🐐

[@sahilmansuri1]

I'd love to see comparison videos. Different teams running the same plays and how they do it differently.

[@OkagaCalifornia]

CJ Stroud.

[@dolphinator1695]

eaglas run/screen game with hurts or browns defense

[@IdrinkWindexskullemoji]

Trevor Lawrence

[@MacLethal]

No NFL channel is better. Another brilliant video.

[@ThinkingFootball]

Appreciate the love - Thinking Football better make it into your next freestyle.

[@malpal8711]

There’s a great mix of consistency and quality

[@maskedman5657]

Kelce is what I like to call a "Floater". This is basically a Reciever option that you will basically adjust their routes on the fly based on the connection they have with the QB. Think Devante Adams or Antonio Gates. So if you ever need a get out of jail free card for 1st downs.

[@Elagentejefe]

I swear Kelce has a spidey sense to know when Mahomes is in trouble, because he breaks off routes and coverage as soon as PM is pressed. They make it look easy.

[@williamhermann6635]

Kelce's elite play recognition doesnt stop with just coverage. He knows how many guys are blitzing too which shortens the clock in his head.

[@piggy8761]

He doesn’t run routes he just goes and improvises and knows where the open areas of zones will be

[@harrymills2770]

@@piggy8761 That's definitely part of his gift, but he also buys in 100% when he's playing a complementary role for other players. But you can tell he sees what Patrick sees, and what looks like a dangerous throw to me is the exact spot the ball needed to go to keep it away from 3 defenders who were all going the wrong direction when Patrick threw it, and got more open as the ball for a brief second, while the defenders were reversing field and trying to close. Defenders were right there and closing in when the ball arrived, but it was just too late. Kelce caught 'em going the wrong way or looking the wrong way and Mahomes saw it. You'd think more receivers would see it like their QBs see it, and make their game of keep-away from the defense better. I think you have to look at Mahomes's quarterbacking as less of a game of catch and more of a game of keep-away, where he's keeping it away from the defender and just giving his guy a chance at the ball.

[@robertvirnig638]

Barring injury, he can play at this level as he gets older because even now he rarely does anything athletic. He never "runs" routes, he just jogs and drifts around using his mind rather than speed.

[@piggy8761]

@@robertvirnig638 yeah he’s a wide receiver a tight end in name only His IQ is so high that he knows what the coverages are and knows where he can get open all the time. It’s impossible to cover him. Film is useless. You have to bump him at the line doubles against him. He has a psychic connection with his QB. I hate him as a person a complete douche you don’t show up your senior citizen coach like that taunting specialists in the pre game and shit. But he’s a great receiver. Again he’s not a tight end.

[@aiRxShop]

“Backyard football at professional level” is so true… that little side flick machines does to Kelce is so smooth.

[@king6595]

You gotta understand too, Kelce also was a qb backnin college before converting to TE later in his college career and studies the offense how Mahomes does

[@jannanikkola838]

Is there a recorded interview with Travis wherein he explains why he was a QB in college, but chose to be a TE in the NFL?

[@select_from_users5842]

​@jannanikkola838 had no choice. He got kicked out for a failed drug test and was able to regain his scholarship but as a TE, where he saw the most success that lead to him being drafted

[@ricardorivera7549]

this is just not true tbh, he was a qb in HS, in college he exclusively played in wildcat formations for QB, but he was for the most part a TE, never the backup QB

[@ElectronFieldPulse]

I just found this channel as a Chiefs fan. I must say, this video is awesome, I love the in depth analysis.

[@ThinkingFootball]

Much appreciated!

[@jeanfourcade]

As ever, the most impatiently awaited, and always compelling, NFL analysis on KZbin. Thanks for the gem, this is a real treat to KC fans.

[@abnego9676]

It aged really damn well, too. Dude just outlined what got the Chiefs another ring, including Mahomes tightening it up and playing safer with the ball. This channel is consistently the smartest take while presenting it in a consumable format.

[@chriscampbell499]

Well articulated video, and spot on. I still get a good laugh at all of the talking heads that thought the Chiefs were toast without Tyreek Hill. Hill isn't the most important receiver, Kelce is.

[@BallsworthBallsbury]

10:44 you called it! Super Bowl Champs baby!!!!

[@christiancavanagh5040]

Love the videos! A terminology video would be so awesome though! It would help us understand the core concepts so much. Something to throw out there

[@dfp_01]

We give Andy Reid a lot of credit for the way he schemes his offense, and rightly so because he's probably one of the best offensive minds the game has ever seen, but I don't think we give him nearly enough credit for finding and acquiring players to thrive in his scheme, especially those bit players. Look at how well guys like Demarcus Robinson, Mecole Hardman, and Damien Williams played in this system and how seemingly no other team could make as good use of their talents. Now that's only one aspect of the Mahomes-Kelce connection, but it's important that they were brought together in the first place by good scouting (and maybe wouldn't have developed as quickly or to as high a ceiling in any other system).

[@dokukarmagad12578]

Great channel; I learn so much from you.

[@explodingwok]

Love the Canada hate

[@raymondsantiago2411]

FIRE CANADA!!!! 🇨🇦🍁🇨🇦

[@LetMeEatDem]

Tim Hortons sucks

[@Quesque_que]

I give that 2 snaps and a circle

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

I saw this comment before hearing the Matt Canada quip & thought, “hmm, I wonder what he has against Canada..”🤣

[@Smart-Towel-RG-400]

​@@goldenageofdinosaurs7192same 😂

[@713j3]

Bro this is great. The breakdowns give me a completely different viewpoint of how I look at football

[@MookieandDevers5011]

Mahomes to Kelce is such a great duo. Even though in 2024 they aren’t good

[@scruffd0g193]

The chemistry tahst Mahomes and Kelce have is just surreal. When they are both hot, they are unstoppable. Look at that chargers game, the defense had no chance.

[@fishergabe]

first(?) jags game film when mahomes looked towards kelsey, he pointed to open space, then he broke to the area to get the catch. beautiful back yard game.

[@alca_pwn_2232]

I thought so too, it’s the defenders leg, Not his arm upon closer inspection

[@tommyrq180]

Mainly, Kelce doesn’t drop the ball. He makes ridiculously difficult catches. So Mahomes knows it’s a lock.

[@RMRetief1111]

💡💡💡 This was so good, your delivery is excellent. Learned something new again watching this!!

[@MookieandDevers5011]

Kelce is really god at receiving yards

[@mattiebigtime]

Mahomes always has one eye on Kelce, one on the rest of the receivers, and just senses the defense perfectly. That's why he is magic!

[@bigchungus1848]

He didn’t in Denver last week

[@SagaciousSilence]

LET’S GOOOO! 3 rings baby

[@katiewochner55]

Travis is a pleasure to watch!

[@beverlyfrederick5362]

Just Found this Channel 2day & Love the Breakdowns ❤❤❤❤ 👏💚👏💚👏💚

[@WiseAli1]

This is a great breakdown. I’m gonna try their playbook with the Lions in NFL 2K and see if I can make some gains with Goff and LaPorta.

[@Brian-kr7bw]

didn't kelce use to play qb. makes sense why he's able to read defenses so well

[@Michael-sb8jf]

in the 13s game Kelce called his own route in the huddle to get the ball in FG range to tie it If you listen to the pre snap you can hear Mahomes switch to it after her verifies the the coverage

[@markb3786]

Mahomes yells, "Do it Kelc!"

[@markshipley7282]

Um. You are really good! Thanks for teaching me about the intricacies of football. It makes watching the Seahawks a lot more fun. And they can be UN-fun to watch.

[@mexicanvanilla_629]

The “unless you’re Matt Canada” gave me a good chuckle! Haha he’s not wrong… 🔥 🇨🇦

[@Michael-yb7jh]

Broncos must have watched this one

[@juliehodge2831]

Kelce is awesome!

[@jamesmarshall6619]

I'm sitting here, safe, in the comfort of my own home with a widescreen view of the entire field and I still didn't see Moore come open on that Mahomes throw. Just wild how good he is.

[@Kevin_747]

Nice breakdown of the various plays. In regard to Mahomes using his legs to extend a play it's usually not pretty but effective. His running technique reminds me of the Roadrunner escaping from Wylie Coyote.

[@IGI_Media]

Nice vid bud! 87 has a weird role on the field, as both the WR1 and the checkdown guiy :) P.s. nice job slippin in some TE on TE putch action :)

[@jamaalsjourney]

How is that weird when hes designed to catch balls

[@Goyadreamss]

The Denver Broncos: “And I took that personal.”

[@jollydata4299]

Mahomes has said he runs scared… someone should chase me at the combine and my 40 time would be a 4.2..😂

[@justingreen4450]

I waited 40 years for this.

[@jd229]

Yes please explain how this guy runs a curl route over the middle and is WIDE OPEN EVERY SINGLE TIME!!! He has slow feet, hes not sudden, but hes always stinking wide open.

[@omarbahrour]

i'm a pats fan, Kelce (and Mahomes obv) have been incredible, but both of them also have made it impossible for me to even be a hater haha. Trav and Jason's show is awesome, and Mahomes honestly just seems like a regular cool dude

[@8cylinderstolife737]

Actually it’s much easier to affect Kelce routes IF you hit him off the line on every play. No one ever tries this even though there’s lots of opportunity. Herb he’s on the line the DE should hit him at the snap which throws off the timing and if he’s off the line then play Press on him with a LB and cover with a Safety. Lots of coverage options but the always give him free releases which makes it so easy for option routes.

[@ricardorivera7549]

make the DE chip him and u are essentially putting your DE in a double block and making it easy for mahomes to find a receiver. Press kelce w a LB and they cant hang w his route running and speed. add a safety to make up for it and the middle of the field will be open every play w the lb and S following him. u can try different stuff but mahomes is a threat with or without kelce

[@8cylinderstolife737]

@@ricardorivera7549 sorry but you haven’t watched a lot of film from the Patriots defense back in the day of you think it can’t be done and be done easily. There are MANY options for defenses to limit his production, they are just unwilling to dedicate the resources needed. Yes it means a bit slower off the edge on one side of the line but you can also do a mix of LB blitzing to offset and drop the edge into the middle slant routes. It’s definitely not impossible or challenging for NFL defensive players IF they’re willing to dedicate effort to it

[@ricardorivera7549]

@@8cylinderstolife737 never sait it was, i was just trynna emphasize that u can chip him w a DE or double cover him but w someone like pat mahomes thats really a hard gamble u need to take and trust that pat wont take off running, wont find an open WR and even then kelce has a chance of getting open himself.

[@songsayswhat]

Kelce uses a patented Romulan cloaking device. Only way to explain why opposing defenses always let him get wide open.

[@piggy8761]

why doesnt the corner at 5:20 when he sees 87 go by him, and his eyes see mahomes run out look to his right and try to identify where kelce is?

[@Mik3yLow]

I love it because it's just another way to open the field. If mfs gonna keep playing a two high shell coverage than Kelce is gonna keep making them pay for it 🤷‍♂️ And it's a more efficient way to bring the secondary closer than a running game.

[@sting6ph]

Mahomes and Maauto has one brain its scary

[@skillganon606]

Broncos: Hold my beer.

[@thomas_the_cat]

i dont remember any other more connected qb-te duo in my lifetime of watching the nfl aside from brady-gronk

[@chrishaswell4405]

Even Brady- Gronk weren't as good as this .. Gronk was just so big Brady could just throw it up .. Kelce just reads the zones and somehow knows exactly when Mahomes is in trouble without even looking

[@sahilmansuri1]

Dude you make the best videos, but one per week just isn't enough content!! You should scale your production so you can do 2-3 per week. Literally the best football breakdown on the web.

[@ThinkingFootball]

Appreciate the love! Unfortunately we are at max capacity even producing 1 a week through the NFL season - if you want to help the channel financially www.patreon.com/thinkingfootball - that will allow us to onboard more of the team full time - and make more videos! If you can't afford that, comments views and likes are always welcome!

[@sahilmansuri1]

I'd be interested in investing to help you do that, if you'd be open to having partners. Your content is so dope

[@ThinkingFootball]

Shoot us a DM on twitter or an email! Always looking for partners

[@jeanfourcade]

by far the best football on the Web.

[@DeevoC]

As a Steelers fan, the "unless you're Matt Canada" really hit hard. Watching that offence blows my mind, and I have no idea how we have a winning record.

[@21Kolb]

the only modern duos like this were Davante and Arod and Big ben and AB (ben and ab used to backyard football so much shit it was ridiculous)

[@ThinkingFootball]

Brady and gronk et al to add to that list

[@deadgolfer6345]

Cool video! I feel like part of the answer is "because he can do whatever he wants". Maybe he makes it look to easy when it isn't. But in some of those videos, there is a fairly open area of the field that gets much more open after the snap and he just trots over into the open area of the field. Couldn't anyone do that? or at least anyone who can determine if they're in zone?

[@ricardorivera7549]

the difference is kelce has full authority in the chiefs offense to take any decision and say screw the route im just going to the open zone. most nfl offenses have their TE run the route anyway to establish the pass concept they want might want to run. basically yeah others could do the same but its hard as a HC or OC to tell your TE and QB "hey ditch my play and do whatever u want if u think u can get open". if u qb isnt pat and ur TE aint kelce this might end up in an INT more often than not lmao

[@deadgolfer6345]

@@ricardorivera7549 Yeah, I think we're kinda saying the same thing. But to the point of the video, "Why it's impossible to cover Kelce", I'm not sure it couldn't be "Why it's impossible to cover any receiver that does whatever he wants". And I agree totally that not all QBs can make that work. I guess step 2 after getting open is having a guy who can find you. I think really that's the key.

[@marcusaureliusantoninusaug2161]

It's a great connection, no doubt about it! But I believe the lack of great DBs is definitely a huge factor in Kelce dominating at will. I'm sure Revis, Sherman and Reed in their prime could shut him down if put on him in a playoff game. The rules and players on defense were a lot different 10 -15 years ago. That's why Gronk is the greatest to me. He did his thing when all of those guys were in their prime, plus other great DBs such as Polamalu, Talib, Peterson, Woodson were still around. Say what you want, but Kelce is not dominating on Revis' Island with 2010 rules.

[@ricardorivera7549]

acting like kelce wasnt putting up 900-1000 yards 10 years ago just like gronk w a much worst QB in a run heavy scheme. also, TEs dont match up against CBs most of the time gronk barely played snaps against tthem. some plays and formations will match him up w those CBs, but its not like they were following him all game. also richard sherman came into the league 2 years prior to kelce, u acting like kelce is a young player, he is the SAME AGE as gronk bro. he DID played 12 years ago during that period that u said he wouldnt produce. btw: Rob gronkowski vs Jets in 2010 in 2 games: 2 catches 4 targets 26 yards lmao

[@garageliving3658]

Good thing Taylor Swift put this guy on the map, so now we get videos like this to point out he's a pretty good baller.

[@abesview5855]

And you were right! They won the Super Bowl. GREAT VID!

[@brucefulper4204]

We are in a GREAT era of killer football!!

[@bigchungus1848]

LOL 😂

[@BoozBooz23]

As a steelers fan, that Canada comment was beautiful

[@its_ghostface_battlefield8609]

"That's some good shit right there!"

[@bigreefdogmcfresh]

Well done, very nice video.

[@breadboi3837]

i wish they filmed the whole field on games, most the time i can only see the line and qb

[@batez3824]

Unless you are Miami and in Germany and I bet on him, then he can be covered with ease

[@CD-gk9ix]

So glad I finally have him in fantasy this year

[@ThinkingFootball]

He went 1.1 in my league of record this year

[@CD-gk9ix]

@@ThinkingFootball can’t blame whoever got him at 1 I drafted 5th

[@CarolinaKinn]

Das sum Gud shit right der!

[@joshjones3]

Can you break down the broncos vs chiefs would love to see what the broncos did

[@sunandablanc]

So .... yeah. The ending of this one aged pretty damn well.

[@megalartgross4923]

Mahomes is a born tactical athlete. He’s never known anything else. His uniqueness.

[@Elitetaste77]

Kelce and Mahomes in sync like the boy band 😂

[@toptencentral4695]

I love how he never gets hit like gronk did

[@makhaya6157]

w vid as always

[@acgeewhiz]

Yeah, the MaHomes to MaAuto connection is wild.

[@NediaLetta]

people be glorifying WRs and RBs but HOF TEs are what make or break the Superbowl in my opinion.

[@yourmommysdaddy5952]

I personally think its oline. Which ig you could say also includes TE’s

[@t4d0W]

There is def something with having a TE who is the versatile receiving threat and blocker be the guy running option routes. Especially in tandem with a QB the caliber of Mahomes.

[@bigchungus1848]

O line is more important

[@ChasExplorz]

I have been screaming for years. Why is he always open!

[@franz0901fw]

Kelce is the greatest TE ever because he's a athletic QB playing TE at the highest level.

[@bigchungus1848]

Gronk clears.

[@marlafowler3543]

NO TD'S FOR 10 GAMES IS THE OPPOSITE OF ELITE DEAR LOL.

[@brucebowlby7261]

Did Odeil Beckham sign with CHIEFS

[@victorcosta4192]

Make one of their defense!

[@draneym2003]

Did you have to use the douchiest photo of the guy possible? Or are all photos of him like that?

[@ftlbaby]

I guess they tightened up.

[@edp5226]

its those blue eyes. dont tell me its just pigment. blue eyes and intelligence go hand in hand

[@UZI-hb3cu]

How do you even stop kelce? What would even be the gameplan to slow him down? At that point id just tell like 2 guys to cover kelce no matter what lol

[@deadgolfer6345]

"just tell like 2 guys to cover kelce no matter what" - or maybe they should start with 1 guy? In so many of those clips, there are none. He just drifts, in no real hurry, into the most open place in the field.

[@UZI-hb3cu]

@@deadgolfer6345 yeah facts. So many people fall for the misdirection of the wide receivers and they'll stop covering him to cover a wr. Idk how people just don't stick on Kelce though

[@frisk151]

Because the defenders are busy looking at Taylor? :p

[@skepticalmonkey7263]

MVS runs some damn fine clearouts too, and if you don't respect them? Bad times... (unless your Chiefs fan)

[@jeanfourcade]

MVS is the nightmare decoy for a defense. Either you double cover him and allow the other wrs more space to the other wrs, or you go man on him and you're toast. I still wish KC would add another top notch wr to add to their deception.

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

I know the offense has struggled a bit in the first half of the season, but when you look at the stats, they’re still top 5 in most major category & Patrick is up there in passer rating, yards etc. One thing that has really helped them to weather the offense having to break in some young/rookie receivers this year is the defense, which has really stepped up & done a fantastic job with points allowed, batted balls & pass yards allowed. Hopefully, they can continue to play at a high level as the offense begins rounding into shape.

[@demaurimitchell3167]

So he’s the Julian edleman of TE’s

[@Andrew-yt9rd]

I thought you guys couldn't post yputube videos anymore? Or was that just patreon bait?

[@ThinkingFootball]

College tape

[@whosyourtoddy]

im still on the beginning ad without watching the video i already know the answer. its because hes on the chiefs lol

[@bodybagbrad1716]

unless you're matt cananda lmaoooooo

[@fluxx8057]

It helps he played qb in college

[@pixsilvb9638]

Travis Kelce is the new 7-11

[@carol-us4xn]

Teammates, Chiefs kingdom are one.

[@nhardman]

Pat needs to do a better job getting his wrs the ball a little more often. It has to be draining just running routes and knowing the ball is most likely going to 87.

[@ricardorivera7549]

boo hoo get better. thats why u have a #1 option lol, the others aint getting the ball simply cuz they aint as reliable (rice stepped it up tho)

[@Cld_Drako]

Can’t even watch a fucking KZbin video about the chiefs without being reminded that Matt Canada is my teams OC 💔

[@benarnholt7698]

And then they lost to the broncos the next day...

[@ceebee8042]

Kelce says he's a former QB. Kupp of the Rams is a QB's son

[@aiRxShop]

Mahomes scrambling is what won us the Super Bowl.

[@maryellenkelleher7672]

I love the Chiefs and I live in Boston home of the N.E. Patriots

[@williamhermann6635]

With the chiefs really lacking any other true weapons, how do defenses just let Kelce do this? Id be triple teaming or bracketing him every single play. Make MVS and rookie Rashee Rice beat me.

[@deadgolfer6345]

Agreed. He's just leisurely trotting into the open area of the field. I'd make someone else beat me just to see what happens.

[@RyBrown]

@@deadgolfer6345If you watched the Patriots game, that’s what they did and the Chiefs still won (even though I know this comment was made a while ago)

[@duffllebagger]

I know its another Chiefs topic., but the driscusdion of how the Chiefs Defense are somehow top 5 this year would be intersting

[@ThinkingFootball]

Definitely will be covering them sometime this season - although the lose of Nick Bolton is big.

[@dehartgertrude128]

@@ThinkingFootball yea but drew tranquil is a beast

[@davidwillis8623]

They don’t have a number 1 receiver, hence, Kelce is essentially out there leading the charge

[@Billie.Eiilish.]

Thank you for giving me your unconditional love and support💜❤️ how long have you been a fan?

[@povertyspec9651]

All hail the glorious Chiefs

[@jmcnutt730]

Ngl for the first 5 seconds i thought your voice was travis 😂

[@Grandpa_Moses]

Just saw this, very prophetic. You called it well in advance, Chiefs win the SB