The Kansas City Chiefs wasted no time getting on the scoreboard in their Week 12 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. On the opening drive, quarterback Patrick Mahomes connected with tight end Noah Gray for an impressive 35-yard touchdown pass, giving the Chiefs an early 7-0 lead.
Gray Emerging as a Reliable Target
While Noah Gray may not be a household name like his teammate Travis Kelce, the young tight end is quickly proving his worth in the Chiefs’ high-powered offense. Gray showcased his ability to get open and make big plays with his touchdown reception against the Panthers.
According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Gray had an astonishing 11.9 yards of separation on the touchdown catch, the most on any Chiefs receiving touchdown over the past two seasons. This highlights Gray’s knack for finding open space and exploiting defenses.
Building on Recent Success
Gray’s early score against the Panthers comes on the heels of a strong performance in Week 11 against the Buffalo Bills, where he hauled in two touchdown passes. The second-year pro out of Duke University is clearly gaining the trust of Mahomes and the coaching staff.
Noah has been putting in the work and it’s showing on the field. He’s a talented player with a bright future ahead of him.
– A source close to the Chiefs organization
Complementing Kelce
While Travis Kelce remains the primary tight end target for the Chiefs, having a reliable secondary option like Gray can make the offense even more dangerous. Defenses now have to account for another potential playmaker, which could open up opportunities for Kelce and the wide receivers.
- In 2023, Kelce recorded 92 receptions for 1,250 yards and 14 touchdowns
- Gray’s emergence could help alleviate some of the pressure on Kelce
- Two-tight end sets with Kelce and Gray could create matchup nightmares for opposing defenses
Looking Ahead
As the Chiefs continue their push for another Super Bowl appearance, the development of young players like Noah Gray will be crucial. If Gray can maintain his current trajectory, he could become a key cog in the Chiefs’ offensive machine for years to come.
The Chiefs will look to build on their early lead against the Panthers and secure another victory to bolster their playoff positioning. With weapons like Mahomes, Kelce, and now Gray at their disposal, Kansas City remains one of the most formidable teams in the league.
