KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The first time Patrick Mahomes threw Travis Kelce the ball, it was at his feet. The next time Mahomes threw him the ball, it hit Kelce in the hands, bounced up and was intercepted.
But like they’ve done many times before, Mahomes and Kelce put the Chiefs on their backs and carried them to a dominating 28-7 win against the Commanders on Monday night at Arrowhead Stadium. It was a historic night for Kelce, who caught six passes for 99 yards and a touchdown, marking his 83rd career regular-season touchdown as a Chief, tying him with Priest Holmes for the most in team history.
“That’s the true Chief of Chiefs,” Mahomes said of Kelce.
When Mahomes entered the league, Kelce was already established as one of the best tight ends in football playing for coach Andy Reid. But when Mahomes became the team’s starter, Kelce’s game also reached another level and the two have helped the Chiefs win three Super Bowls. And judging by Kelce’s vintage performance, the Chiefs might be better on offense than they have in years.
“He’s the guy that’s been here through the whole thing, been here with Coach Reid the entire time,” Mahomes said. “He sets the culture. He helped set the culture of what it means and to play for Coach Reid, and to play in Kansas City. And I was able to come in and have that guy to rely on. He’s breaking all the records now. And he’s all about the team, so hopefully he gets that (record).”
Kelce’s 10-yard touchdown in the third quarter had other significance as it marked his 100th career touchdown, including playoffs. As several teammates celebrated with Kelce in the end zone, Mahomes alertly picked up the football and retrieved it for Kelce. The two are buddies on and off the field and business partners at the new 1587 Prime steakhouse in Kansas City.
While Kelce had his best game of the season, Mahomes threw for 299 yards and three second-half touchdowns after throwing two picks in the first half. Kareem Hunt caught a touchdown and ran for another, while Rashee Rice added nine catches for 93 yards and a touchdown in his second game back from a six-game suspension.
Marcus Mariota started for the Commanders (3-5) with Jayden Daniels out with a hamstring injury. Mariota threw for 213 yards and a touchdown with two picks.
The Chiefs (5-3) won for the fifth time in six games, sparked by Kelce, who danced in the end zone after his touchdown and pointed toward the suites where fiancé Taylor Swift was watching. Kelce, who turned 36 earlier this month, is already the Chiefs’ all-time leader in receptions and yards.
“It’s a compliment to him,” Reid said. “There have been some great tight ends here over the years and for him to be able to do what he’s done over this amount of time is great. He’s got energy every day. He’s not the youngest guy and he just goes and goes.”