Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce may have received a favorable non-call on Patrick Mahomes' 15-yard touchdown run in the first quarter of the Chiefs' 31-10 victory over the Denver Broncos on Monday night.
On second-and-goal from the Broncos' 15-yard line, Mahomes scrambled up the middle as the pocket collapsed. Kelce appeared to grab both hands of Broncos safety Talanoa Hufanga and drive him to the ground, clearing a path for Mahomes. The Chiefs quarterback then dove into the end zone, giving Kansas City a 7-0 lead.
ESPN commentators, including Troy Aikman, noted the potential infraction during the broadcast. "Travis Kelce may have gotten away with a hold," Aikman stated. ESPN rules analyst Russell Yurk echoed this sentiment, explaining that Kelce's left arm restricted the defender's ability to make the tackle.
"You can see Travis puts his left arm out and restricts over the chest of the defender trying to make the tackle and that prevents him from really being able to get there," Yurk said. "He wasn’t in position, restricted him. I think it’s tough for the officials to see."
Without Kelce's apparent interference, the Broncos might have had a better opportunity to stop Mahomes before he reached the end zone. This play occurred in a game where the Chiefs never trailed.
Kelce was a significant contributor to the Chiefs' offense throughout the game. He recorded 71 receiving yards on three catches, including a 59-yard reception in the third quarter that set up a field goal, extending the Chiefs' lead to 24-10. The team went on to secure a decisive win over the Broncos.