After his team had its way with the Chicago Bears, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce watched his older brother Jason’s Philadelphia Eagles get a 25-11 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football.
The Chiefs star came away impressed, specifically with one of the Bucs pass-catchers, tight end Cade Otten.
“Personally, big fan of the tight end they got over there, Cade Otton,” Kelce said on the “New Heights” podcast on September 27. “The dude, he does the Neanderthal, oh what’s his name – no gloves, baby. [Like] Dallas Clark, baby. This guy’s got no gloves out there. He’s just thugging like an OG back in the day, man”.
Chiefs’ Travis Kelce a ‘Big Fan’ of Bucs’ Cade Otton
Otten finished the contest with just one reception for 16 yards but Kelce’s point stands.
It was a Week 9 win that may have ended up saving their season. Trailing by 4 with 44 seconds, Brady led Tampa on a 6-play, 60-yard drive that ended with a Cade Otton TD catch with just nine seconds to spare.pic.twitter.com/x6gOGeI8IX
— NFL (@NFL) January 16, 2023
Otton has nine grabs for 76 yards on 11 targets through three weeks. He has gone from Tom Brady last season to Baker Mayfield this season. But he has proven himself to be a reliable target, particularly in the red zone where he can use his athleticism and 6-foot-5 frame.
Dallas Clark Comparisons Lofty for Cade Otton
Dallas Clark gained fame with the Indianapolis Colts, not only for his production but also for his choice to go without gloves and what was, at the time, a unique jersey number.
The NFL has since relaxed its stance on which jersey numbers are wearable and by whom, with the No. 0 being introduced this season. In his day, Clark’s No. 44 jersey certainly stood out at the end of the offensive line or in the slot with the University of Iowa product being a multi-faceted weapon in a high-powered offense.
Otton has a long way to go to reach those heights.
The original beast TE from Iowa: Dallas Clark 💪 (via @nflthrowback)
📅: Oct. 24 #NationalTightEndsDaypic.twitter.com/qHCTMn2jca
— NFL (@NFL) October 20, 2021
But it is lofty praise, and Kelce went on to defend Otton’s choice of equipment despite his brother lamenting the Bucs pass catcher making things more difficult for himself by opting not to use the gloves, which aid in gripping the ball.
“It can be too sticky, man,” Kelce said. “Too much sauce.”
Kelce did acknowledge not being a fan of the gloves designed to be worn in the rain, agreeing with his brother once again.
Travis Kelce Shouts Out Eagles’ D’Andre Swift
Otton was not the only player from that game that caught the Chiefs star’s eye.
“D’Andre Swift, man, he’s fun to f****** watch,” Kelce said. “Especially running behind those big hogs ya’ll boys got over there. … You get a guy like that, you’re stealing.”
Through three weeks, Swift is just one yard short of matching half of his career-high 617 rushing yards. He set the mark in 2021. What makes it most impressive is that Swift, who the Eagles acquired from the Detroit Lions in April, did not start the opener. He has assumed lead-back duties after an injury to Kenneth Gainwell left the door cracked.
Kelce also gave a nod to Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, comparing him to LeBron James.
“Jalen Hurts’ rushing TD was the 29th in his career. The most rushing TDS by an NFL quarterback in his first 50 games,” Kelce said. “That’s like a LeBron stat right there. Just f****** pulls some random s*** out.”
You know it's coming #PHIvsTB | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/CuhOn450Ec
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 26, 2023
Kelce was also impressed with the defense and rookie defensive tackle Jalen Carter. The Chiefs will host the Eagles in Week 11. It’s a Super Bowl LVII rematch that could have serious playoff implications for both sides.
Main Photo: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
