Fansided

10 snapshots that capture the chaotic essence of NFL Week 1

By Aryanna Prasad

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 11: Trey Young of the Atlanta Hawks watches the game between the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 11, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 11: Trey Young of the Atlanta Hawks watches the game between the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 11, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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6. Travis Kelce, the next generation of tight end

GLENDALE, ARIZONA – SEPTEMBER 11: Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs catches a touchdown pass against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on September 11, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – SEPTEMBER 11: Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs catches a touchdown pass against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on September 11, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

Travis Kelce is 32 years old, so saying he demonstrates the future of the tight end position may seem inaccurate.

In truth, Kelce has been the future, embodying a trend that started all the way back in 2010 when the New England Patriots drafted Rob Gronkowski.

Sure, there were Hall of Fame tight ends before Gronk, but the goofy longtime Patriot broke the mold at the position. He was unstoppable, and he became an essential part of six Super Bowl performances, hoisting the Lombardi in four of them (and denting it in one).

But Gronk’s retired now, allowing more light to shine on his clear successor, Travis Kelce.

Again, Kelce has flourished in the house Gronkowski built since 2013. And Kelce, too, has been integral to making the Chiefs offense hum. How many times has Kelce facilitated drives downfield, strode open on a crossing route, came down with the touchdown?

Better yet: how many times has Kelce dragged defenders, their attempts to stop him coming up short?

Sadly, Gronk’s knees were taken out when teams realized they couldn’t even triple-cover the guy, but watching Gronk drag players down the field in his prime is a fantastic re-watch. For those who want to see that kind of greatness today, there was the Chiefs versus the Cardinals, 44-21.

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