Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes Praises Xavier Worthy’s Debut Impact

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — In an impressive NFL debut, rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy made an immediate impact on the field, scoring a touchdown on his very first touch. Throughout the match, he showcased his talent by scoring again in the fourth quarter, sealing the Kansas City Chiefs’ 27-20 victory against the Baltimore Ravens.

However, Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs’ quarterback, emphasized that Worthy’s influence went far beyond just the touchdowns. Mahomes pointed out that the rookie’s presence opened up opportunities for the entire offense, allowing other key players like Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice to find more space on the field.

“Just having him out there, it just opens up stuff,” Mahomes explained. “You saw when he’s out there, they’re playing shell coverages. It’s getting guys like Travis and it’s getting guys like Rashee open underneath, and that’s what’s so great about this offense. We’re able to do all of that, and that’s when we’re at our best.”

Worthy finished the night with two receptions, including a stunning 35-yard touchdown pass from Mahomes in the final moments of the game. Earlier, he also executed a clever reverse play that resulted in a 21-yard touchdown—his first in the NFL.

The Baltimore Ravens were evidently cautious of Worthy’s speed, especially given his record-setting 40-yard dash time of 4.21 seconds at the scouting combine. This concern opened the door for Rashee Rice to excel, as he caught seven passes for 103 yards. The Chiefs’ tight ends also contributed significantly, with Kelce and Noah Gray combining for six catches totaling 71 yards.

Despite the team’s victory, the Chiefs were without their newest wide receiver, Marquise Brown, who sat out due to a dislocated shoulder. However, his return is expected to be swift, which Mahomes believes will further complicate defensive schemes.

“When we get Hollywood out there, it’s going to be tough for defenses to decide who they want to cover,” Mahomes stated, hinting at the potential challenges opposing teams will face with a fully loaded offensive lineup.

Interestingly, Worthy had attempted a similar reverse play during a preseason matchup, which ended in a fumble. This time, however, he was confident about executing the play successfully. He even told offensive coordinator Matt Nagy during the morning walkthrough that he would score if they opted to run it against the Ravens.

Worthy’s poise in high-pressure situations has become a notable aspect of his game. “I feel like nerves aren’t really a thing for me,” he remarked. “I feel like I come in, and it’s just like being a kid again, playing in the backyard.”

After scoring his first touchdown, Worthy was so caught up in the excitement that he forgot to keep the ball as a souvenir. Mahomes took it upon himself to ensure that Worthy had the memento from his memorable debut.

“He’s so cool, calm, and collected all the time,” Mahomes said. “You never even see the excitement on him, but he goes out there and makes plays. 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.”

The Chiefs’ offense showed promising signs during this game, largely due to the unique skill set that Worthy brings. His combination of speed and composure has the potential to elevate the entire team’s performance as the season progresses.