Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy's work ethic paying off with trust in the most crucial moments leading up to first AFC Championship Game
Kansas City Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy has improved every step of the way during his rookie season, and his AFC divisional-round performance against the Houston Texans was further proof of it.He was the lone wide receiver for Kansas City to catch a pass in the 23-14 victory, with five receptions on six targets. He's not […]
Kansas City Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy has improved every step of the way during his rookie season, and his AFC divisional-round performance against the Houston Texans was further proof of it.
He was the lone wide receiver for Kansas City to catch a pass in the 23-14 victory, with five receptions on six targets. He's not just catching the usual high-percentage throws either; he's entered the circle of trust where Patrick Mahomes gives him a chance to make plays.
Ahead of Worthy's first AFC Championship Game, Chiefs HC Andy Reid spoke about how the standout rookie has been able to elevate his game as the season has progressed.
"Yeah, he's got better every week," Reid said. "Now he's more familiar. Pat's (Mahomes) more familiar with him. He's more familiar with the offense. And then what Pat expects from him. Connor (Embree) has done a nice job of spending time with him to make sure he's got all the different looks. So, the main thing is he's wired the way where he wants to be good, and that's a big part of it. He wants to know and doesn't let his ego get in the way. He's got good teachers. You're in a room with 8 (DeAndre Hopkins), 9 (JuJu Smith-Schuster), and 84 (Justin Watson). I mean, those guys have all played a lot of football, and they're willing to share. And so that's a heck of a room to be in."
When Mahomes was asked about Worthy's progression, he pointed to his work ethic and desire to be great.
“Yeah, I think just repetition and then just seeing how he (Xavier Worthy) works every single day," Mahomes said. "He’s a guy that works extremely hard (and) practices extremely hard. The more and more chances and opportunities I’ve given him, he’s kind of taken them and ran with them. Just like the one (play) down the sideline early in the game, just putting the ball up there – one-on-one match-up and letting him make a play. I’m excited for how he’s progressed throughout the season, and hopefully, we can progress for a few more games then – that will be a taking-off-point going into next year.”
The job is far from finished, as Mahomes said. The next two games can be a true launching point for No. 1. If Worthy keeps up his performance in the AFC title game, he will have an opportunity to haunt the Bills for passing on him in the draft and allowing the Chiefs to trade up for him. He wasn't quite ready for that type of moment back in Week 11, but now he appears primed for the occasion.
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