As the Kansas City Chiefs embark on the second half of their quest to defend the Super Bowl title, all eyes are on the continued development of their crop of young offensive playmakers. While running back Kareem Hunt has emerged as a dangerous weapon and established veterans like DeAndre Hopkins and Travis Kelce remain Patrick Mahomes’ top targets, one rookie is hoping to make his mark and help fuel the Chiefs’ high-powered attack: wide receiver Xavier Worthy.
Worthy, a second-round pick out of Oklahoma, entered the season with high expectations but has so far posted modest numbers, recording 19 catches and 5 touchdowns through the first eight games. However, glimpses of his gamebreaking potential, like his two-touchdown performance in the season opener against Baltimore, have the Chiefs excited about his upside.
Room for Growth
Despite some encouraging moments, Worthy admits he hasn’t quite lived up to his own standards. “I know there’s more out there,” the rookie told reporters this week. “That’s probably why I’m not satisfied for what I’ve got now.” He cited mental mistakes, like stepping out of bounds before making a catch against Tampa Bay, as examples of the growing pains he still needs to overcome.
Still, the Chiefs appear committed to Worthy’s development, encouraged by the progress they’ve seen behind the scenes and confident bigger things are on the horizon.
Following Rashee Rice’s Footsteps
The Chiefs are hoping Worthy can take a second-half leap similar to the one Rashee Rice made in his 2023 rookie campaign. After a solid but unspectacular start, Rice exploded down the stretch, doubling his per-game output and establishing himself as a dangerous complement to Kelce and then-Chief JuJu Smith-Schuster.
Each week [Rice] was growing and becoming more and more comfortable in both what we were doing and how it was best for him to be able to accomplish that.
Chiefs passing game coordinator Joe Bleymaier on Rashee Rice’s rookie season trajectory
The Chiefs are seeing similar growth from Worthy, even if it hasn’t always shown up in the box score. From refining his route running to making pre-snap adjustments, Worthy is showing signs of evolution. “It’s very similar with Xavier,” Bleymaier said. “That comfort level starts to show up with him winning routes and catching passes.”
An Opportunity to Shine
With injuries sidelining receivers Rashee Rice, Hollywood Brown, and JuJu Smith-Schuster for significant stretches, Worthy could see an uptick in opportunities, though his one-catch outing against Tampa Bay illustrated the variance that comes with an offense sporting stars like Hopkins, Kelce, and Hunt.
“There will be weeks [when] his number is called up more,” head coach Andy Reid said after Worthy was held without a catch against the Buccaneers. “That just is how it goes in these games.” Quarterback Patrick Mahomes echoed that sentiment, preaching patience but predicting Worthy’s role will continue to grow as the season progresses and the rookie gains confidence.
I think you’ll continue to see big games from [Worthy]. You’ve seen it in certain moments throughout the season, the big plays. I think his role will get bigger and bigger within the offense.
Patrick Mahomes on Xavier Worthy’s potential in the Chiefs’ offense
The Road Ahead
As the Chiefs begin the second half Sunday night against their AFC West rival Los Angeles Chargers, Worthy will look to start making good on his immense promise. With the team still eyeing a championship repeat and boasting a perfect 8-0 record, any spark the rookie can provide could pay huge dividends in the playoffs.
For Worthy, it’s all about continuing to develop, both in his grasp of the playbook and in turning his tantalizing physical skills into game-changing production. If things click, the Chiefs could add yet another devastating weapon to an offense that already ranks among the league’s best. “I’m ready for more,” Worthy said. “Whatever they give me, I’m ready for.”
