Chiefs’ Travis Kelce praises Noah Gray for his emergency work in Saturday’s game
Chiefs tight ends combined for five catches and 37 receiving yards Saturday in KC’s 24-23 loss to the Detroit Lions at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Those aren’t eye-popping numbers but the tight ends had a big day for a variety of reasons. Travis Kelce’s lone catch came on a behind-the-back pass from quarterback Patrick Mahomes that had the league buzzing.
Irv Smith Jr. caught two passes for 11 yards, rookie Baylor Cupp had a 12-yard reception and Jared Wiley, another rookie, had a 6-yard reception.
Noah Gray wasn’t targeted, but he was singled out by Kelce for the extra work as a long-snapper when James Winchester was temporarily out.
Kelce, who had high praise for Gray.
“Obviously, Noah doing it all and even today getting in a few long snaps,” Kelce said in a sideline interview during the game. “I don’t even think I’ve seen him long-snap before in my life. And he goes in there and he gets two punts off and a field goal from about 40 yards.”
It was actually a 56-yard field goal by Harrison Butker and a punt, but that only makes Gray’s effort all the more impressive.
Kelce gave a shout-out to coach Andy Reid, offensive coordinator Matt Nagy and tight-end coach Tom Melvin for prioritizing the tight ends.
“You can’t say enough about what Coach Melvin, Coach Reid, Matt Nagy, how they really emphasize that the tight ends are a focal point in this offense, and that gets you fired up,” Kelce said. “It’s not like that every single place.
“It’s not like that everywhere else. And that’s why I love playing in Kansas City. And obviously we’ve got the athletes and the guys to create mismatches all over the field.”
Impressed with Worthy
Kelce also talked about what he’s seen in wide receiver Xavier Worthy, who was the Chiefs’ first-round pick in this year’s NFL Draft.
“Just keep growing. Keep understanding the game,” Kelce said. “I think more obviously he’s got all athleticism in the world, the more he gets mentally, kind of confident in what he’s seeing, I think he’s just gonna absolutely take off in this league. He’s got special talent. On top of that he works really hard.”
