The duo has built a chemistry over the years that’s made them one of the most dangerous connections in the NFL. But, even the best partnerships have their off moments, and during the Chiefs’ Week 12 clash with the Carolina Panthers, that rare moment of frustration made its way onto the field. The two weren’t exactly strangers to miscommunication. Earlier in the preseason, Kelce ran the wrong route during a game, and Mahomes had to get creative. He threw a behind-the-back pass to Kelce, which somehow ended up as a first down.
Rare moment of frustration between Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce on this incompletion.#ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/J8VGHmBXm4
— Henry McKenna (@henrycmckenna) November 24, 2024
Patrick Mahomes behind-the-back pass to Travis Kelce 🤯
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/aDltrBZnLH
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) August 17, 2024
As Mahomes later explained, “Long story short, Travis didn’t run the route he was supposed to run, and it was kind of a behind-the-back pass, kind of, because I was mad at him. He was supposed to run a flat route…and he doesn’t run it. Oof spite, I threw a behind-the-back pass but now it’s going to be a highlight.”
Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes tension moment
However, in the Chiefs’ game against the Panthers, the frustration was more visible. Despite entering the game as heavy favorites, the Panthers made things tougher than expected. On a simple route, Kelce found himself wide open 10 yards downfield, but Mahomes’ pass was slightly off.
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The throw wasn’t impossible to catch, but it wasn’t perfect either. Kelce got his hands on the ball but couldn’t complete the catch. The moment was followed by an immediate reaction-Kelce turned to Mahomes, throwing his arms up in frustration, clearly annoyed by the missed opportunity.
This wasn’t just a rare instance of a missed connection; it was an example of how the competitive fire burns even between two of the league’s best. But despite the brief tension, the two quickly regained their usual rhythm. Kelce would go on to finish the game as the Chiefs’ leader in receptions, racking up 6 catches for 62 yards.
Travis Kelce is the most important Chief not named Mahomes, and the best tight end in the game.
I wrote about how the man who is ALWAYS open dismantled the Panthers in a game the Chiefs needed every yard he got. https://t.co/AqFnfOgUJG pic.twitter.com/YfMliOI84b
— Seth Keysor (@RealMNchiefsfan) November 9, 2020
The Chiefs eventually secured a 30-27 win, with Mahomes throwing for 269 yards and three touchdowns. Though Kelce’s frustration lingered briefly, the victory was what mattered. Without Taylor Swift in the stands for a second consecutive week, the Chiefs proved they could still deliver, maintaining their spot as the NFL’s best team with a 10-1 record.
Mahomes, who added a 33-yard run and a late Spencer Shrader field goal to seal the game, was the one to carry the Chiefs across the finish line. Kelce’s frustration, while understandable, was quickly replaced by a shared sense of relief and pride in securing another win.
THE CHIEFS SURVIVE AGAIN. 🔥
Patrick Mahomes comes up CLUTCH with a 33-yard run late, before Spencer Shrader wins it as time expires!
Get your #NFL action on ESPN! pic.twitter.com/POt57HQYig
— ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) November 24, 2024
