After weeks of being a highlight reel throughout training camp, we finally got to see what Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy can do during a game.
During Saturday's preseason matchup against the Detroit Lions, Worthy caught three passes for 62 yards and a touchdown while also adding one rush for 11 yards. He saw six total targets on the day, which coach Andy Reid admitted after the game that it was a priority to get Worthy as much work as possible.
“We had a couple different things in there to try to get him the ball, just to get him (Xavier Worthy) started," Reid said. "You noticed last week he didn’t have a chance, so I mean we tried to get it to him today.”
Not only was Worthy productive, but his blazing 4.2 40-yard dash speed was on full display. Two of his catches went for over 20 yards, and both came on crucial third-and-long situations. This gives the Chiefs' offense an element that it didn't have last year, which Reid also acknowledged when asked how Worthy's speed opens up the rest of the field.
“That’s an important part of it. When Hollywood (Brown) gets back in there, there will be another addition to it. Mecole (Hardman) is doing some good things too, having that helps. Xavier’s (Worthy) speed and being able to get through (and) make people honor him so that’s two people on him so that’s a big thing.”
Not only do the Chiefs now have a credible deep threat in Worthy, but just the mere intimidation of him running downfield will open things up for the rest of the receivers. We saw an example of that in the first quarter of Saturday's game when quarterback Patrick Mahomes hit Justin Watson for a 20-yard gain while Worthy took double coverage deep toward the endzone.
Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice, who as we know are great without help, are now even more dangerous thanks to the Worthy effect. Worthy also showed that he is more than just another fast guy. His 39-yard catch, as well as his touchdown catch, came on nicely ran routes. Defensive backs will have a hard time changing direction with him as they backpedal to respect his vertical threat.
Like most receivers in Reid's offense, Worthy will also play a role in the short passing game on screens, end-arounds and crossing routes. Worthy's impact has completely transformed what the Chiefs can do offensively. K.C. hasn't had a receiver that can do what he can since Tyreek Hill. Whether he touches the ball or not, Worthy will impact most plays that he's a part of.
Related: Chiefs position coach thinks WR Xavier Worthy's rookie season could get off to a better start than Rashee Rice's in 2023
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