Kansas City Chiefs

Why Travis Kelce's demands are good for the Chiefs

Published Jun. 22, 2015 10:33 p.m. ET

foxsports

He'll make sight adjustments. He'll run hot routes. He'll even wave at Alex Smith before the snap.

Travis Kelce is willing to do whatever it takes to get the ball in his hands this year -- and that's a good thing for Kansas City if you ask their quarterback.

“He’s ready for adjustments," Smith told ESPN. "He knows all the things we’re capable of. When he’s calling for it before I am, that’s for sure a good thing."

Kelce was Smith's only dynamic receiving option for most of 2014. Now entering his third year, the right end isn't afraid to speak up so Smith can get him the ball.

The quarterback called it "encouraging." Opposing defenses will call it a problem if a 6-foot-5, 260-pound Kelce gets the pigskin where he wants it.

Moreover, Kelce's newfound pre-snap ability could be one way his team reverses a drought of big plays. Only four of Smith's throws went for 35 yards or more in 2014.

When Kelce now calls for the ball, Smith knows he'll make a play on it.

"Obviously, he’s a tremendous player," Smith said. "But it’s so great to kind of see that confidence there on the field, him calling for when he wants the football."

(h/t ESPN)