Xavier Worthy Explodes In NFL Debut

Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy put forth an absolute dynamic performance in Thursday's thrilling 27-20 Week 1 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. Worthy scored two touchdowns on three total offensive touches. He's already proving to be a game-changing weapon for the Chiefs offense.

Worthy received his first career touch with the Chiefs trailing 7-0 with 6:00 remaining in the first quarter. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes took the snap from under center, faked the handoff to running back Isiah Pacheco, and pitched a reverse to Worthy. Kansas City's offensive line blocked the play perfectly and Worthy turned on his rare acceleration for a 21-yard score. That record-breaking 4.21 40-yard dash from the NFL Scouting Combine was on full display.

Worthy gained 14 rushing yards over expected on the play, according to Next Gen Stats. He reached 17.49 mph at the line of scrimmage and hit a top speed of 18.45 mph. No Ravens defender was going to tackle Worthy.

Worthy wasn't done making a big-time impact. The former Texas standout extended the Chiefs' lead to 27-17 early in the fourth quarter with his second touchdown of the evening. A coverage breakdown in Baltimore's secondary allowed Worthy to get completely uncovered on a 35-yard touchdown pass from Mahomes.

Worthy totaled 68 yards and two touchdowns on his three touches. Pacheco and Rashee Rice were the only Chiefs players to total more yards from scrimmage. Worthy is an explosive playmaker that's already ensuring he'll be a point of emphasis in Andy Reid's weekly game plan.

The Chiefs struggled to consistently locate playmakers in the passing game last season. That’s precisely why they decided to execute a trade-up during the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft to nab Worthy. It immediately paid off as the receiving corps already looks more dynamic than it was a year ago.

Mahomes' average length of touchdown passes last season was a league-low 3.9 air yards, per Warren Sharp. That number could dramatically increase this year with a deep-speed weapon like Worthy at his disposal. It wasn't evident on Thursday, but Mahomes' aDOT (average depth of target) could improve this season after it was a league-low 6.9 among all full-time starting quarterbacks throughout 2023.

Critics will point out that Worthy's two touchdowns occurred via a backfield reverse and a coverage bust. The challenge going forward will be for Worthy to make plays in the traditional passing game. That mission begins with another marquee matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2.

Many questioned the Buffalo Bills' decision to trade the No. 28 overall selection to Kansas City, allowing Chiefs general manager Brett Veach to draft Worthy. Other rival franchises should already be disappointed they allowed a speedy playmaker like Worthy fall right into the Chiefs' laps. Mahomes and Reid are going to utilize his rare explosiveness all campaign long en route to trying to become the first three-peat Super Bowl winners in NFL history.