Patrick Mahomes is set to transform the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive approach for the 2025/26 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL season by placing tight end Travis Kelce at the heart of his strategy, aiming to maximize Kelce’s impact in what could be his final year with the team. This renewed focus on Kelce is part of a broader offensive plan designed to increase the team’s explosiveness and overall scoring potential.
Following the Chiefs’ painful defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, Mahomes is determined to adopt a more aggressive and high-reward offense. In a recent team luncheon, he outlined his vision, emphasizing the need to boost big-play opportunities and bring back a vertical passing threat that has been missing since the departure of Tyreek Hill in 2022.
Mahomes Highlights Plan to Elevate Kelce’s Role in Offense
Mahomes expressed his ambitions to maintain precision in critical situations while reinstating deep passing plays to create game-changing moments.
We wanna still be surgical and we wanna still be great on third down in the red zone, stuff like that,
Mahomes said.
But we wanna bring the big play back and we think we got the guys to do it.
He further stressed his responsibility to provide his teammates with chances to shine, especially Kelce on deep throws.
And so it’s my job to give these guys chances to go out there and make big plays. So, a lot of deep passes to Travis and let him go out there and make plays.
This approach comes after the Chiefs posted an impressive 15-2 record in 2024/25 but suffered a notable postseason collapse against the Eagles, who established a dominant 24-point halftime lead. Kansas City’s offense averaged 23.1 points per game, ranking 12th in the league, underscoring the need for a more dynamic passing game to complement their strengths.
Defensive Adjustments and Roster Challenges Ahead of Final Preseason Match
The Chiefs will finish their preseason with a Week 3 contest against the Chicago Bears, aiming to fine-tune their performance after an inconsistent game against the Seattle Seahawks. The defense, particularly the run defense, struggled against Seattle, giving up 268 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has emphasized the importance of improved preparedness to address these vulnerabilities.
However, injuries have impacted the depth of the defensive backfield, with Nazeeh Johnson sidelined due to a shoulder issue, Mike Edwards recovering from a hamstring injury, and Deon Bush out with an ACL tear. Meanwhile, Kristian Fulton is making progress from offseason knee surgery. These challenges open opportunities for younger players like Joshua Williams to step up and earn recognition from head coach Andy Reid.
Offensive Unit Focuses on Chemistry and Depth in Final Preseason
Offensively, Mahomes and key receivers such as Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Hollywood Brown have seen limited playing time so far this preseason, making the upcoming game critical for building timing and cohesion. The Chiefs plan to use this opportunity to sharpen their connections and prepare for a more explosive passing game.
In addition to the receiving corps, the running back group will face a test of depth between Elijah Mitchell and Carson Steele. Mitchell offers quickness and pass-catching skills out of the backfield, while Steele brings a combination of power, versatility, and special teams value.
Implications for Chiefs’ Season and Kelce’s Legacy
This revamped offensive plan highlights Mahomes’ intent to place Travis Kelce at the center of Kansas City’s attack, potentially extending his legacy in what may be his final season. By revitalizing the deep passing game and enhancing offensive aggressiveness, the Chiefs aim to overcome previous postseason setbacks and contend strongly for another championship.
The adjustments to both offense and defense demonstrated in the preseason will be crucial in determining how effectively the team can execute this new strategy. As the season unfolds, the success of this plan will largely depend on Mahomes’ ability to deliver deep throws and the players’ responsiveness to elevated roles, particularly Kelce’s contributions at tight end.