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BALTIMORE — Fittingly, Travis Kelce ran the wrong route.
And, fittingly, Patrick Mahomes had to become an improvising, whirling dervish — and then get crushed.
And, fittingly, it worked, because the magic Mahomes and Kelce make knows no bounds. In this case, it was a third-and-5 at the Ravens’ 27-yard line, with Baltimore fans’ boos raining and actual rain falling, too.
“Of course Travis ran the wrong route,” Mahomes deadpanned after the Chiefs’ 17-10 win. “And he ended up getting the football. The offensive line did a great job protecting. I was trying to find a way to run, but they were doing a good job of containing me with the D-line, and then Travis just worked his way to get open. When he’s one-on-one, I give him a chance, and I threw the ball, and he made a heck of a catch.
Five plays later, Isiah Pacheco scored what turned out to be the game-winning score. Mahomes’ miracle flip to Kelce may have been the highlight, but it was far from alone: Kelce finished the game with 116 yards, catching all 11 passes Mahomes threw his way.
“He’s a special player, man,” Mahomes said of his tight end. “I always say it, but when the lights get brighter, he plays better. That’s the true mark of a champion, and that’s what he is.”
Kelce’s numbers are overwhelming. He passed Jerry Rice for most career playoff catches and tied him for most career playoff 100-yard games. His 11 catches on 11 targets is the best by any player in the playoffs in the last 15 years.
Kelce said Friday he wanted to win this game “more than I ever wanted one in my life,” and his intensity was obvious early: a pregame kerfuffle with Justin Tucker and a remarkable touchdown catch on Kansas City’s opening drive. But according to his coach, this wasn’t anything out of the ordinary.
“Listen, Travis is always fired up,” Andy Reid said. “He’s always fired up. But with the playoffs, he’s even more so. I never worry…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2024-afc-championship-patrick-mahomes-travis-kelce-magic-propels-chiefs-to-yet-another-win-super-bowl-berth/
Author : Zachary Pereles
Publish date : 2024-01-29 02:59:53
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