In what has become a defining trademark for Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce, lateral passes made another appearance during the team’s recent victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.
It’s the second time this season Kelce has pulled off the daring move, keeping fans entertained and defenders on edge. While some coaches might view these unconventional plays with skepticism, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has made his stance crystal clear: the passes are fine—so long as they’re successful.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Reid addressed Kelce’s unique approach, emphasizing that these laterals are no spur-of-the-moment decisions. “He’s been doing it for a few years,” Reid explained during a Zoom press conference. “We do it in practice every day—you guys see that, so you know this isn’t just something that we throw out there on game day. It’s something we do, so everything is okay with that just as long as you complete them.”
The key takeaway? Reid doesn’t mind a bit of on-field improvisation from his star tight end, provided the play results in positive yardage. If not, Kelce might be in for a more pointed conversation.
Kelce’s Lateral Passes Add a New Dimension
Kelce’s flair for lateral passes made its first splash this season during a Week 5 game against the New Orleans Saints. In a high-pressure third-and-22 situation, Kelce caught a short pass from Patrick Mahomes just past the line of scrimmage. Instead of going down, he lateraled the ball to running back Samaje Perine, who came within a yard of converting the first down.
Fast forward to the Chiefs’ win over the Raiders, and Kelce decided to bring the lateral play back. In the second quarter, facing a critical third-and-10, he caught a five-yard pass from Mahomes but saw defenders closing in. Without hesitation, Kelce flipped the ball to Perine, who surged forward to secure the first down.
For Kelce, it’s not just about creativity—it’s about situational awareness. His ability to spot teammates in better positions has turned what could be routine plays into game-changing moments.
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Reid’s Trust in Kelce
Reid’s endorsement of these moves reflects his confidence in Kelce’s decision-making. “It’s huge confidence for our team that he can get those things done,” Reid said. The Chiefs coach also pointed out that these plays are the product of deliberate preparation during practice, giving the team an edge in critical situations.
At 35 years old, Kelce continues to defy expectations, proving that age is just a number for one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers. His lateral passes aren’t just a testament to his athleticism but also to the trust he’s built with Reid and the entire Chiefs organization.
Staying Ahead in the AFC
The Chiefs’ ability to innovate on offense has kept them at the forefront of the AFC. While Mahomes remains the focal point, Kelce’s creativity adds another layer of unpredictability that opponents struggle to contain. Plays like these reflect the team’s willingness to push boundaries, a hallmark of Reid’s coaching philosophy.
Looking ahead, Kansas City’s path to another Super Bowl run will undoubtedly feature more of Kelce’s heroics. And as long as those lateral passes keep moving the chains, Reid won’t have much to say—other than perhaps a quick reminder to keep completing them.
What’s Next for the Chiefs?
With the win over the Raiders, Kansas City remains firmly in control of its postseason destiny. Kelce and the Chiefs will look to build on their momentum as they prepare for the next stretch of the season, keeping their eyes set on the ultimate prize.
Kelce’s lateral gambles might give fans a few heart-stopping moments, but in a system built on trust and execution, they’ve become an exciting weapon in the Chiefs’ offensive arsenal. As Reid continues to empower his players, these unconventional plays could very well define the team’s campaign for another championship.