TRAVIS KELCE and Andy Reid clashed in a heated sideline exchange as the Kansas City Chiefs’ early-season struggles continued in their game against the New York Giants.
With the Chiefs holding a slim 6-0 lead in the second quarter, frustration boiled over for Reid, who was visibly irked by his team’s performance, particularly from Kelce.
Kelce didn’t like that fact that his manager approached him with clear anger[/caption]
The All-Pro tight end has failed to hit his usual high standards this season and, after Harrison Butker missed a 40-yard field goal, Reid wasted no time confronting his star player.
The coach approached Kelce with clear anger, exchanging words before shoving his shoulder into the tight end and getting in his face.
Kelce, not backing down, walked away from the altercation, making it clear that the tension on the sidelines was real.
Whether Reid was trying to spark a reaction from Kelce or simply letting his frustrations show is up for debate, but the frustration was evident.
At halftime, NBC’s Melissa Stark asked Reid about the confrontation, and the coach admitted his team needed “some juice” after a lackluster first half.
Kelce, who had been struggling throughout the game, finished with just two catches on four targets for a total of four yards.
This isn’t the first time Reid and Kelce have clashed on the sideline, but the stakes are higher than ever.
The Chiefs had started the season 0-2 – their worst beginning since 2014, Reid’s second season with the team.
And Cam Skattebo quickly ran in a touchdown to give the unfancied Giants a surprise second-quarter lead.
A successful Butker field goal gave the Chiefs the lead at the half before touchdowns from Tyquan Thornton and Kareem Hunt secured a 22-9 win.
Kelce’s season has been marred by mistakes.
After dislocating Xavier Worthy’s shoulder in Week 1 against the Chargers, he followed that up with a dropped touchdown pass that turned into an interception in Week 2 against the Eagles.
With wide receiver Rashee Rice suspended and the Chiefs’ receiving corps already thin, the team is desperately in need of a win.
Whether Reid’s sideline tirade was an attempt to motivate Kelce or just a reflection of the mounting pressure, it’s clear the Chiefs are in crisis mode.
