Andy Reid bumps, disciplines Travis Kelce after tight end launches helmet on sideline vs Raiders

It’s safe to say something didn’t sit well Travis Kelce in the second quarter of Monday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders. He threw his helmet off the bench on the sideline, and that led to a conversation with Andy Reid to settle things down.

The Chiefs attempted — and converted — a fake punt as they tried to bounce back from two straight defensive touchdowns by the Raiders. Kelce walked off the field and threw his helmet at the bench, clearly unhappy about something.

That led to a conversation with Reid, who initially didn’t let Kelce have his helmet back before talking things out with his star tight end.

Travis Kelce LAUNCHED his helmet on the sidelines… he’s pissed off about something. pic.twitter.com/O1rWqorK0R

— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) December 25, 2023

Andy Reid and Travis Kelce talking it out pic.twitter.com/TMD9Vpb8RV

— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 25, 2023

The Chiefs took a 7-3 lead on an Isiah Pacheco touchdown on a well-designed play. From there, though, it was all Raiders. Las Vegas took back a fumbled hand-off for a touchdown before Patrick Mahomes threw a pick-six to make it 17-7. A Harrison Butker field goal missed just before halftime, and that held as the score into the break.

It’s been a rollercoaster season for Travis Kelce and the Chiefs. The offense has struggled mightily multiple times this year, and the wide receivers lead the league in dropped passes. Prior to last week’s victory over the New England Patriots, Kansas City dropped three of its last four games, and bring a 9-5 record into Monday’s game.

Nonetheless, the Chiefs are still vying for a playoff spot. They can clinch just that with a victory on Monday, and it would also lock up an AFC West title. With so much on the line, it added to the intrigue of the matchup, especially since the Raiders are playing at such a high level since moving on from Josh McDaniels.

That’s why Mahomes said it would be a “battle” as he and the Chiefs try to secure a division title.

“I think you just have to take it like it’s a game you’re going up against the Raiders,” Mahomes said, via Pro Football Talk. “We know how intense it’s going to be. We know what this rivalry means to both sides. It’s going to be a great battle.

“Obviously if we win, we can clinch the division, that’s part of it. At the same time, I think it’s just when these two teams go up against each other, there’s going to be an added step in the — I don’t want to say pressure, but the momentum where you have to go out there and give everything you’ve got.”