For the Chiefs, Travis Kelce was the game-changer that allowed them to go from perennially bad to historically exceptional.
The Chiefs are hoping to win their third Super Bowl in the past five years, but Kelce had a disappointing day against the Patriots, with only five receptions for 28 yards.
Although this was certainly no easy catch, Kelce has made several similar ones throughout his Hall of Fame career. Whether it's a consequence of age or injury, something is amiss with Kelce, and the offense for Kansas City has suffered because of it.
Kelce hasn't been as effective as he once was, as evidenced by his crucial fumble in Sunday's loss to the Eagles and his subsequent dropped touchdown. Since October 22nd, he has failed to gain more than 100 receiving yards.
That Kelce is expected to have his worst statistical season under Patrick Mahomes' tutelage is not surprising. That doesn't diminish Kelce's impact, though; he's on track to record 1,000+ receiving yards for the eighth consecutive season
But he's not as powerful as he once was on his own. A major concern may be Kelce's declining production, especially considering the Chiefs' other receivers' issues.