The Kansas City Chiefs are justifiably not happy after a 0-2 start to the season for the first time since 2014. And that frustration showed in head coach Andy Reid‘s heated argument with TE Travis Kelce during Sunday’s game against the New York Giants.

In fact, the exchange involved more than just words, with Reid almost throwing a shoulder at the TE. It was a familiar sight.

”Andy Reid and Travis Kelce… we have seen them before kind of getting heated there, but you can sense the frustration there,” noted NBC commentator Mike Tirico. Andy Reid, however, did his best to downplay it.

“That’s okay, we need some juice, so that’s good,” he told NBC at halftime, when asked what his message to the team was in the wake of visible frustration from his key players. Reid had approached Kelce after a rather disappointing drive in the first half.

Kelce had recorded a catch for a loss of 2 yards, and Harrison Butker had missed the ensuing 40-yard field goal attempt.

This is not simply personal rage but the reaction to the Chiefs’ overall performance. As a Super Bowl contender, Kansas City has been hammered repeatedly by suspensions, injuries, and the occasional blunder.

And this season has not been good for Travis so far. In Week 1, against the Chargers, he dislocated Xavier Worthy’s shoulder. In Week 2, against the Eagles, he dropped a touchdown pass that became an interception.

With wide receiver Rashee Rice also out (through suspension) Reid and coaches require veteran grinders such as Kelce to come through and be consistent, providing the needed juice to the team. Like what Reid said, the whole exchange could have been an actual attempt to give him some “juice.” But full disclosure: that narrative is a bit difficult to buy into, considering Kelce’s past behavioral record. 

Travis Kelce’s past meltdowns

Kelce’s sideline temper is nothing new. Back in Super Bowl LVIII, upon being taken out of the game in the first half, Kelce was spotted body-checking Reid and screaming at him on the sideline. Andy Reid tried to downplay the incident even then, saying that Kelce was “emotional,” while the veteran TE himself confessed later that his behavior was “definitely unacceptable.”

Cut to Week 2 of this season, and the scenes were similar.

The game against the Eagles saw Kelce’s fury finally boil over as he was seen slamming his helmet and screaming, “I’m sick of this s–t.” 

However, Reid went on to defend Kelce, stating, “Listen, he’s trying to get guys fired up and going. You know, I mean, that’s him. He’s that way every week if you keep an eye on him. So he’s all in all the time. That’s the way he was today.“

In 2023, against the Raiders, he tossed his helmet onto the field during frustration plays on offense. Reid stuck with him then as well, commenting that Kelce performed well, demonstrating a pattern of passion being directed to drive the team forward.

If that is at all how Kelce and Reid choose to work, then they better make sure to translate their emotions into wins.