Veteran NFL defensive back Derwin James recently revealed that Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is the toughest opponent he has ever faced. As a standout safety for the Los Angeles Chargers, James has had numerous battles with Kelce, squaring off against him twice a year as division rivals in the AFC West.
Over time, James has gained a unique perspective on what makes Kelce such a formidable adversary on the field.
James, a former first-round draft pick, likened Kelce to a basketball player, noting his uncanny ability to create space and improvise during plays. Unlike many receivers who stick strictly to their routes, Kelce has an exceptional talent for reading the defense and finding open areas, often making up his moves on the fly.
“Travis Kelce is the best tight end that I go against,” James said during an interview on the Goat Farm Show. “It’s always fun to compete against him for sure.”
James went on to describe Kelce’s style of play, highlighting his unique approach to the game. “He be playing basketball, he’ll make up s***. It don’t even make sense,” James explained. “It ain’t even routes that he’ll be running. It’s like he’s good at finding the holes, and when he do gotta make a play, he can make a play.”
RELATED: How Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce ‘Make Time’ for Each Other Despite Busy Schedules: Report
Kelce’s improvisational skills are what set him apart from other tight ends in the league. His ability to adjust on the fly and exploit defensive weaknesses has made him a favorite target for Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, especially in critical moments. James pointed out that during last year’s AFC Championship game against the Ravens, Kelce and Mahomes were able to connect on several crucial plays that weren’t even designed by head coach Andy Reid. This ability to adapt and innovate on the field is what makes Kelce such a nightmare for defenders like James.
Another example of Kelce’s creativity came last season against the Buffalo Bills. During a play where Kelce caught a pass, he threw a lateral to teammate Kadarius Toney halfway across the field. While the play was ultimately called back due to Toney being offsides, it showcased Kelce’s willingness to think outside the box and take risks, further cementing his reputation as one of the most unpredictable players in the league.
Derwin James is widely regarded as one of the best defensive backs in the NFL, known for his physicality and intelligence on the field. This makes his praise of Kelce even more significant, as it underscores the level of respect and challenge that Kelce presents to even the most elite defenders.
As the Chargers and Chiefs prepare for their first matchup of the 2024 season on September 29 in Los Angeles, all eyes will be on the ongoing battle between James and Kelce. It’s a classic showdown of strength versus strength, with two of the league’s best going head-to-head in what promises to be another epic chapter in their rivalry.
