Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes Praises Xavier Worthy’s 2-TD NFL Debut: ‘He Had a Great Day’

Jack MurraySeptember 6, 2024

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Xavier Worthy’s electric NFL debut has his quarterback feeling good.

The Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver had two catches for 47 yards and a touchdown while also adding a 21-yard rushing touchdown in the Chiefs 27-20 Week 1 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. Following the game, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes praised Worthy’s ability to open things up for an offense that was lacking explosive elements at times last season.

“Obviously, we want to continue to use him more and more, but I thought he had a great day making big plays in big moments,” Mahomes said, per Nate Taylor of The Athletic. “It was good to get the whole offense going. Just having him out there opens up stuff.”

Mahomes continued by describing how the threat of Worthy’s speed alone helps the likes of Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice.

“You saw when he’s out there, they’re playing shell coverages,” Mahomes said, per Adam Teicher of ESPN. “It’s getting guys like (Travis Kelce) and it’s getting guys like (Rashee Rice) open underneath, and that’s what’s so great about this offense is we’re able to do all of that, and that’s when we’re at our best.”

NFL @NFLXAVIER WORTHY HAS ARRIVED.

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NFL @NFLXavier Worthy is really a Kansas City Chief 😳

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The Chiefs selected Worthy with the No. 28 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and the potential was easy to see right away. Worthy set the record for the 40-yard dash at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine and could fill a role in the Chiefs offense that eight-time Pro Bowler Tyreek Hill used to occupy as a blazing downfield option.

While Hill sets an incredibly high bar to reach, Worthy’s early returns and college production show the potential he has. He totaled 75 catches for 1,014 yards and five touchdowns for Texas in 2023 and his two-touchdown performance for Kansas City could be a sign of things to come.

Worthy will hope to aid Kansas City in the quest to win a third consecutive Super Bowl. That journey will continue in Week 2 when the Chiefs host the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 15.