The Chiefs" victory over the Bills on Sunday"s match showed a multitude of mixed strategies, unbelievable offense, and an arguably questionable call during the early fourth quarter.
Buffalo"s failed fake punt in the fourth quarter brought about a change in the game"s dynamic. Pacheco had run the ball down, setting up a first-and-goal, and the Chiefs appeared to have everything under control.
However, an error caused them an important opportunity to score, flipping the tables once again.
While many were fixed on Isiah Pacheco"s run that sent the ball down to the three-yard line, the crowd"s attention was soon diverted to Mecole Hardman"s unfortunate fumble, which resulted in a touchback, and Buffalo gained possession of the ball at the 20.
Following the game, in the latest episode of the "New Heights" podcast, co-hosted by brothers Travis and Jason Kelce, Travis took the chance to discuss the unseen circumstances surrounding Hardman"s fumble.
He confessed that the turnover was his fault, not Hardman"s.
"Dude, I’m not going to lie, man, I owe Mecole a fucking new car or something — I owe so much to him. My block was the one that knocked the ball out," Kelce said. "I’ve been fucking sick. I’ve apologized to him every single time I fucking saw him today and I’ll apologize again, my bad Mecole, man."
Travis Kelce takes blame for Mecole Hardman fumble: My block knocked the ball out. https://t.co/9m1R4005RR
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) January 25, 2024
During the game, Travis Kelce was observed to block safety Jordan Poyer as Hardman received a pop pass from Patrick Mahomes (the Chiefs quarterback), pushing for the end zone.
However, despite his efforts, Poyer managed to break through the block, dislodging the ball from Hardman"s grip before he reached the ground.
“[Poyer] finished the play better than I did, got a hand on the ball, and man, I owe my guy big time," Kelce said. "I feel bad for him, man. There’s nothing worse than giving up the ball, especially in [that] situation.
"That shit sucks, man. And Mecole, he’s fired up to get after it again, though. I know my guy, he wants another opportunity to get the ball and show what he can do with it. And sure enough, you’ll see him next Sunday come up right on time, baby."
Despite the high-profile on-field incident and the ensuing discussion, Kelce and Hardman will have a chance to make amends in their next game against Baltimore.
The anticipated match on Sunday will provide an opportunity for the pair to step up and turn the page.
