The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off their most disappointing season of the Patrick Mahomes era, finishing 6-11 and missing the playoffs. A primary issue that caused the fall off was the offense struggling with no running game and a lack of consistency from the wide receivers. No Kansas City pass catcher recorded over 1,000 yards, and one of their main targets, Rashee Rice, missed half of the games battling injuries and legal troubles.
KC has not invested anything significant in the position this offseason, choosing to rely on internal development. The team could eventually add a veteran during training camp. If not, someone will need to step up as the position group projects to be one of the worst in the NFL. That breakout player needs to be Xavier Worthy.
Kansas City Chiefs Are Invested In Worthy
The team traded up four spots in the first round to get Worthy in the 2024 NFL draft, which was heralded as a perfect fit for his talent. He showed flashes as a rookie, making some big plays during the Chiefs’ run to the Super Bowl that year. He unfortunately took a step back this past season, struggling with consistency and hindered by an early injury.
Now fully healthy and experienced in the offense, Kansas City is hoping to see Worthy put it all together. Wide receivers of similar size and skill, like Santana Moss, Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, and Steve Smith Sr., had big production in their third seasons. The Chiefs are hoping that with so much uncertainty on the depth chart behind Rice and all-time great Travis Kelce, Worthy lives up to his draft pedigree and makes good on their investment.
He Has The Talent To Break Out
Worthy is motivated to show that last season was not a real representation of the player he is. He has game-breaking speed that stretches a defense deep downfield and must always be accounted for. He is explosive with the ball in his hands, able to gain yards after a catch by making defenders miss.
More importantly, Worthy is in an offense that can create favorable opportunities for him under Mahomes and Head Coach Andy Reid. He is a threat to score anytime he is on the field. So expect to see him get touches through bubble screens and handoffs. He’ll also see increased volume in route running as one of KC’s top playmakers.
What He Needs To Work On To Reach The Next Level
Worthy will need to improve his route running if he’s to become a true number one receiver. A player of his size needs to utilize his speed and quickness to get open, as teams will try to jam him at the line of scrimmage. That can make the difference between consistently getting the targets to produce and being used as a gadget type of player in limited snaps.
The opportunity is there for Worthy to have his best season so far. The Chiefs will need him to get the offense back on track as they look to return to the playoffs. Teams won’t give up on someone with his talent easily, and the Chiefs remain invested in helping him improve his game. Now is the time for Worthy to break out.
