Stephen A. Smith Criticizes Travis Kelce’s Slow Start, Links it to Taylor Swift Relationship

As the 2024 NFL season kicks off, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has found himself at the center of criticism after a disappointing start to the season. The Chiefs, reigning Super Bowl champions, may have secured two wins, but the performance of Kelce, alongside some underwhelming play by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, has raised eyebrows. Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith has added fuel to the conversation, suggesting Kelce’s off-field relationship with pop star Taylor Swift may be contributing to his lackluster performance.

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Chiefs’ Narrow Escape

The Kansas City Chiefs narrowly edged out the Cincinnati Bengals in their most recent game, winning largely due to a pass interference call in the final moments. According to Smith, the Chiefs were “very lucky” to win, as Mahomes hasn’t been playing at his usual elite level. With only three touchdowns and three interceptions through the first two games, Mahomes’ performance has fallen short of expectations, contributing to the team’s overall struggles. Though the Chiefs sit at 2-0, Smith pointed out that their performances have been far from convincing, noting that Mahomes and other key players may still be finding their rhythm after limited preseason action.

Travis Kelce’s Disappointing Start

One of the most significant concerns for the Chiefs is the poor performance of their star tight end, Travis Kelce. Through the first two games, Kelce has managed just four receptions for 39 yards, a far cry from his usual production. Smith highlighted that while Kelce has been physically present on the field, he has yet to make any significant impact. He also speculated that Kelce’s lack of preseason preparation might have contributed to his slow start, echoing concerns that other star players across the league are still playing themselves into football shape after limited preseason exposure.

The Taylor Swift Effect?

In a surprising turn, Stephen A. Smith has attributed some of Kelce’s struggles to his recent romantic involvement with Taylor Swift. Smith humorously remarked that the NFL broadcasts have shown more of Taylor Swift than Kelce during games, suggesting that the relationship may be distracting the tight end from his on-field responsibilities. While there’s no concrete evidence to support this claim, Smith’s comments reflect the growing attention on Kelce’s personal life and its potential impact on his game. “The honeymoon is over,” Smith declared, urging Kelce to refocus and deliver the performance expected of him.

Chiefs’ Super Bowl Hopes in Question

Beyond Kelce, Smith expressed broader concerns about the Chiefs’ ability to maintain their championship form. He criticized their overall performance through the first two games, noting that while they managed to pull off wins, they were far from dominant. Smith pointed out that despite winning the Super Bowl last season, the Chiefs didn’t look like a great team throughout the year and believes their path to another championship will be incredibly challenging. No NFL team has ever won three consecutive Super Bowls, and Smith remains doubtful that Mahomes and the Chiefs can defy history.

Conclusion

While it’s still early in the season, the Kansas City Chiefs have much to prove if they want to live up to their status as defending champions. For Travis Kelce, the pressure is mounting to step up and deliver. Whether or not his relationship with Taylor Swift is a factor, as Stephen A. Smith suggested, Kelce will need to refocus and find his stride if the Chiefs hope to make another Super Bowl run. As the season progresses, fans will be watching closely to see if the Chiefs can overcome their early struggles and solidify their place among NFL greats.