Chiefs Studios Features: Travis Kelce ready to go again after ‘taxing’ 2023 season

Denny Medley-




Chiefs headlines for Monday, July 29

The latest




Travis Kelce enjoys return to ‘sanctuary’ of Chiefs camp after taxing 2023 season | The Athletic



At 34, Kelce is the Chiefs’ longest-tenured member and their second-oldest player (long snapper James Winchester is just two months older). He knows he’s survived many practices similar to what he experienced Saturday under longtime coach Andy Reid.


“This is my sanctuary, baby; St. Joe, Year 12,” Kelce said with a smile about Chiefs training at Missouri Western State. “That means I’ve spent just about an entire year in my life up here in the dorms, man. Everybody may see that as pretty grueling, but I enjoy it, man. There’s something about this place that gets you ready every single year.


“I’m not going to lie. I got pretty excited as the time started counting down to get out here and get this thing rolling.”



Chiefs’ Travis Kelce admits challenges after ‘taxing’ year | ESPN


“So it’s just making sure that my body’s getting that rest and that ability to train harder and be able to withstand an entire 17-to-20-game season.”


Predicting What NFL’s Roster-Building, Playcalling Trends Will Be in 5 Years | Bleacher Report



Zone Coverage Remains En Vogue


While the Browns defense got exposed by the Texans in the playoffs, it was a legitimately dominant unit for most of the regular season. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz’s use of man defense, largely Cover 1, even helped Cleveland stymie Shanahan’s offense in a 19-17 win over the 49ers.


Similarly, Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo used plenty of man defense in 2023. He mixed in a lot of it, including some Cover 0, against San Francisco in Super Bowl LVIII.


“I feel like it was (always) third and long. (The Chiefs) were just sticky across the board when they played man coverage,’ 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy said, per Andy Benoit of the 33rd Team.



When it comes to cash flow, Patrick Mahomes remains the highest-paid quarterback | NBC Sports



But there are other ways to look at these contracts. One way is to focus on the cash to be paid in the coming years.


And from 2023-26, as well as 2024-27, one player still leads the way in four-year cash flow. It’s Mahomes.


Here’s the four-year cash flow from 2023 through 2026, per a source with access to the numbers:


1. Mahomes: $210.6 million.


2. Lamar Jackson: $208 million.



NFL teams will be allowed to have 12 players on the field for this one specific situation during 2024 season | CBS Sports



As most NFL fans know, it’s illegal for any team to put 12 players on the field for any play during a game, but for the 2024 season, there will actually be one situation where the league WILL allow teams to have an extra man on the field.


The addition of a 12th man is one of the wrinkles that will come with the new kickoff rule that’s being implemented this year, according to NFL referee John Hussey. The veteran ref was in Kansas City on Saturday for Chiefs’ training camp, and during his trip, he broke down the new kickoff rule for the media.


During that meeting, Hussey explained the one situation where a 12th man will be legal: Teams will be allowed to use an extra player to serve as the holder for kickoffs during windy games where the ball won’t stay on the tee. The catch here is that the 12th man won’t be able to participate in the play after holding the ball for the kicker.


“They can’t do anything,” Hussey said, via Fox4KC.com.



Chiefs Leo Chenal praises Travis Kelce’s leadership at training camp | Chiefs Wire



Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal, during his press conference on Saturday, spoke highly of teammate Travis Kelce’s impact on the locker room and training camp culture.


“It’s crazy. The most impressive thing is the energy he brings whenever whatever year it is. He’s been in the league a while, and he’s still dominating.” said Chenal. “He’s still bringing the energy and OTAs, and he’s still doing everything at a top level. But he also likes bringing his teammates up with him. This late in his career, it’s pretty cool.”


Kelce is entering his 12th NFL season and has garnered respect from many peers for his mentorship during and after the season. The annual Tight End University summit is another example of his willingness to give back to the next generation of players.



Around the NFL




Patriots DL Christian Barmore treated for blood clots; no timetable for return | NFL.com



The Patriots released a statement following their training camp practice, adding that there was no timeline for when Barmore would be able to return to football activities.


“Over the weekend, Christian Barmore was diagnosed with blood clots,” the statement read. “He was appropriately treated by the doctors at Mass General Brigham, who tested, evaluated and treated Christian. Our principal concern at this time is Christian’s health and wellbeing. Fortunately, Mass General Brigham provides some of the best healthcare in the world. While there is no current timetable for his return, we know Christian is getting tremendous care and we look forward to his full recovery.”



Dallas Cowboys lose DE Sam Williams for season, source says | ESPN



Before the Dallas Cowboys even held their first padded practice of training camp, they had a blow to their defense with pass rusher Sam Williams suffering a torn ACL in his left knee, a source told ESPN on Sunday.


Williams also suffered a partial MCL tear, a source said, and the injuries have ended his season before it began.


Williams was injured during the special teams portion of practice after he was engaged in a blocking drill. He remained down for several minutes as he was attended to by the Cowboys’ medical staff. He could not put any weight on his left leg as he got on a cart and was taken to the locker room.



In case you missed it on Chiefs Studios




Chiefs Injuries: 3 biggest storylines after training camp’s first week



Safety Justin Reid


When camp opened at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Reid’s injury was a surprise; he had been a full participant in both the voluntary and mandatory parts of the Chiefs’ offseason organized team activities (OTAs).


But as camp began, Reid was added to the team’s Active/NFI (non-football injury) list with what was reported to be a quadriceps injury. While he has been present for practices, he has not yet participated in them; he’s been working with trainers during each session.


We have been given no information about the nature (or circumstances) of the veteran safety’s injury. In St. Joseph, Reid has been seen wearing a sleeve on his right leg. These are worn to aid with inflammation and reduce pain.


It’s not yet time to panic — but whether it is a strain or a contusion, a soft tissue quadriceps injury could linger. And if the player returns to play too quickly, this kind of injury can easily be aggravated.


If we take Reid’s word for it, he should be back in the lineup soon.



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#Chiefs Louis Rees-Zammit working on pass protection during Sunday's training camp practice pic.twitter.com/BLjhyi0ZLC— Aaron Ladd (@aaronladdtv) July 28, 2024






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