Patrick Mahomes Puts Chiefs Rookie to the Test on Camp Day 2
By Joe Summers
![Feb 4, 2021; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes during practice as they prepare for Super Bowl LV against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mandatory Credit: Steve Sanders/Handout Photo via USA TODAY Sports Feb 4, 2021; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes during practice as they prepare for Super Bowl LV against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mandatory Credit: Steve Sanders/Handout Photo via USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_3719,h_2091,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/220/01j339vbjes8rwfcm4zb.jpg)
The Chiefs' second unofficial training camp practice is in the books and the team had a clear mission on Thursday to feed the ball to rookie WR Xavier Worthy.
After dealing with a pair of injuries on the first day, Worthy was back on the field and Patrick Mahomes looked his way early and often. Adam Teicher of ESPN reported that Mahomes threw to Worthy on four of his six passes during 7-on-7 drills.
Those actions track with Mahomes' words, emphasizing the importance of Worthy getting off to a fast start with a difficult schedule to open the season.
Patrick Mahomes Tests Xavier Worthy at Chiefs' Training Camp
Chiefs second pre camp practice is winding down. Mahomes was serious about trying to get the ball to Worthy. 4 of the 6 passes he threw in 7 on 7 drills went to Worthy. 2 were completed, including for a TD in the red zone
— Adam Teicher (@adamteicher) July 18, 2024
National expectations assume Worthy will immediately become a major part of the offense. He had 988 yards from scrimmage and 12 TDs during his freshman season at Texas, so he's no stranger to hot starts.
Despite not being 100%, Worthy's ability is being put to the test early. Andy Reid's training camps are notoriously difficult and the strategy of throwing Worthy to the fire seems to be working. Teicher noted that two of those four passes to Worthy were completed, with one resulting in a red-zone TD.
Given the rookie missed most of the summer programs tending to a hamstring injury, he's got to make up for lost time a bit. Worthy went through all of the mental reps when he was sidelined, but it's still critical to build on-field chemistry with Mahomes.
His game-changing speed should open up the offense, allowing more space underneath for Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice to operate. Marquise 'Hollywood' Brown brings a similar skillset to the table, giving the Chiefs an offense that should strike fear into defenses' hearts.
This team can only reach its 2024 ceiling if Worthy performs well. So far so good, and I expect Mahomes to keep going at Worthy for the remainder of camp.
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