KANSAS CITY, Mo. — In a commanding performance, the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Washington Commanders 28-7 on October 29, 2023, with tight end Travis Kelce making history. Kelce scored his 83rd career touchdown, tying former running back Priest Holmes for the most total touchdowns in Chiefs franchise history. This milestone came during a game where the Chiefs displayed strong offensive prowess, particularly in the second half.
As fireworks lit up the sky above Arrowhead Stadium, quarterback Patrick Mahomes recognized the significance of the game ball after Kelce’s touchdown late in the third quarter. He promptly handed it to a team staffer to ensure Kelce could keep it as a memento of his achievement. “I just cherish these moments, man, being able to play at Arrowhead,” Kelce reflected. “This place is special, man, and I love it here.”
Kelce’s performance was a highlight of the evening, as he recorded six receptions on eight targets for 99 yards. The victory marked the Chiefs’ fifth win in their last six games, with each of those victories coming by a margin of at least ten points. Mahomes praised Kelce, stating, “He’s just the true Chiefs’ Chief,” acknowledging his role in establishing the team’s culture under head coach Andy Reid.
The game saw an uneven first half, with the Chiefs tied 7-7 at halftime due to two turnovers. Kelce described how the team adjusted their strategy after the break, saying, “When we decided in the second half to just rally together and match [the Commanders’] energy… we ended up putting some points on the board.”
Kelce’s Vintage Performance
Kelce’s touchdown reception was characteristic of his career, showcasing his ability to excel against zone coverage. According to Next Gen Stats, all of Kelce’s production came while facing the Commanders’ zone defense. His ability to create separation was evident in the lead-up to his touchdown, where he executed a well-timed route against free safety Darnell Savage.
Receiver Rashee Rice noted Kelce’s patience and leadership, particularly during the slow first half. “He didn’t have to say too much, but just for him to say I need to get going, it still meant a lot,” Rice stated, reflecting on Kelce’s impact on the team’s morale.
One of the game’s standout moments occurred early in the third quarter when Kelce’s involvement was unexpected. He initially acted as a blocker before slipping into the open field, resulting in a significant 38-yard gain that brought the Chiefs into the red zone. Mahomes described the play, emphasizing the respect opposing defenses have for the speed of receivers Xavier Worthy, Hollywood Brown, and Tyquan Thornton: “That was a shot-play where I had [Worthy] and [Brown] and they covered them well. Travis was blocking… he just released because he saw no one was guarding him.”
With this touchdown, Kelce and Mahomes became just the third quarterback-tight end duo in NFL history to reach 75 touchdown connections, joining the ranks of Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski (105) and Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates (90). Kelce expressed gratitude for his longevity in the sport, stating, “I’m just the old, lucky dog still able to do this thing, man. I’m putting on the pads like I’m 15 years old again. I’m loving every single bit of it.”
As the Chiefs look ahead to their next challenges, Kelce’s record-tying performance reinforces his status as a pivotal figure in the franchise’s history, and fans can expect more thrilling moments from this dynamic duo as the season progresses.
