5 Chiefs Who Will Carry Kansas City to the Super Bowl
By Joe Summers
2. Xavier Worthy - WR
The rookie first-round pick has exploded in recent weeks to become one of the more dynamic wide receivers in the league, and it looks like Xavier Worthy is the second consecutive wideout that Brett Veach struck gold on.
He started the season as mostly a pure downfield threat but has seen his role expand in a major way over the last month. With 31 targets over the last three weeks, most of which have come on designed plays to let him create yards after the catch, Worthy has turned into one of the best weapons in the NFL.
Barring Week 18 results, Worthy has 59 catches for 638 yards and six TDs while adding 104 yards and three more scores on the ground. Alongside Travis Kelce, Worthy is someone opponent's can't truly prepare for given the way Andy Reid deploys him.
Hollywood Brown's return is opening up Xavier Worthy for more gadge plays#Chiefs are quick to the line in 12p, switching Pacheco & Worthy's spots. That makes PIT hurriedly communicate & settle for zone coverage
— Ron Kopp Jr. (@Ron_Kopp) December 27, 2024
Kelce/Gray's releases hold Minkah enough to give Worthy the angle pic.twitter.com/KdxDPcy5cN
With Hollywood Brown back in the fold, the Chiefs have someone else to run downfield routes as a vertical stretcher. That's allowed Worthy to stay near the line of scrimmage, and his average depth of target has dropped accordingly.
This is a special rookie season for what looks like a special player. Expect Worthy to maintain a high level of involvement throughout the playoffs as fans salivate about what a receiver group led by him and Rashee Rice could look like long-term.
Kansas City struck gold with Worthy and he'll help deliver a Super Bowl in just his first year.