The Chiefs are confident Travis Kelce's performance will improve after a slow start to the season

Add to that the electrifying plays of rookie Xavier Worthy and a productive running game, and you can see why Kansas City is confident it can be more balanced and productive as a unit.

Still, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and those within the organization can hear critics suggesting that Kelce is out of shape (he's not) or distracted (he's not) or old (he's) because of the travel this offseason is 35 but has shown he can still do it). do it).

“I know people say he's old or distracted, but the defense doesn't buy that,” Reid told reporters Wednesday, noting that Kelce has received the same attention from the defense as he always has.

The Chiefs see this the same way they did last year, when Kelce was perfectly fine in the regular season (93/984/5) and then was the best player again in last year's playoffs with three touchdowns and 355 yards in four games another Super Bowl title.

Speaking of Kelce slowing down, the numbers show that the flat cross he ran at the end of the Super Bowl last year reached the top speed of his GPS ratings. In other words: He's still fast. Kelce practices every day and his work ethic has remained the same. It is important for the team to ensure that Kelce is not physically ill by the end of the season. They need him fresh for another possible title shot.

Meanwhile, sources say Kelce has told Chiefs coaches to continue with players touching the ball instead of demanding the ball. He has enough confidence in the product he brings to the field and knows it is what the team needs. The team feeds off his energy.

“Trav is fine,” Reid said. “He works his tail off. He hasn't lost a step. He’s not distracted.”

The Chiefs take on the Los Angeles Chargers today at 4:25 p.m. ET.