Xavier Worthy ‘adapted to the game speed pretty well’ in Chiefs debut

Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images




On Monday, Kansas City’s first-round wide receiver reflected on his first NFL experience against the Jaguars.

On Saturday night, the Kansas City Chiefs’ rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy made his much-anticipated debut during the team’s 26-13 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in their preseason opener.


With all the excitement surrounding Worthy’s blazing speed and playmaking ability, the Chiefs wasted no time before trying to showcase their first-round pick.


On the very first offensive play, Worthy motioned into the slot to help him build momentum that could create an opening for a deep pass. But at the last second, the Jaguars’ defense shifted. It blitzed a cornerback toward Worthy while rotating a safety over the top of the speedy receiver. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes quickly recognized the change, finding an open pass to Hollywood Brown in the space vacated by the safety.


“[The defense] rolled into Cover 1, so it took away my play,” Worthy said of his first NFL snap. “I’m kind of upset about that one, but it happens.”


Although that play didn’t unfold as expected — and Worthy saw just five total snaps on the night — he described his first game in the NFL as a fun and valuable experience.


More importantly, the Chiefs got a glimpse of what Worthy could bring to the team this season. Kansas City has been searching for a reliable deep threat to stretch the field — and Worthy’s speed is tailor-made for that role. He feels confident in his ability to keep up with the NFL’s faster pace.


“It’s different speeds at all levels,” he explained to reporters after Monday’s training camp practice at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph. “High school has [its] own speed, college has [its] own speed. Obviously in the NFL, everybody is smarter. They move [and] they adjust better.


“So just me knowing that, I feel like if I had more plays, I’d be able to get a rhythm going [in] the game. But I feel like I adapted to the game speed pretty well.”


Worthy is also eager to contribute on special teams — particularly as a punt returner. While he was disappointed he didn’t get a chance for a return on Saturday, Worthy clearly thinks his opportunity is coming.


“I’m definitely going to be back there returning,” Worthy said of his discussions with special teams coordinator Dave Toub. “We watch a lot of Devin Hester. He just entered the Hall of Fame and Coach coached him. So it was amazing to have a coach that coached him — to understand the tools it takes to be great back there.”


Worthy’s debut may have been brief, but the flashes of potential were there. As the end of his first NFL training camp approached, Worthy reflected on what he must do to make an impact in his rookie season.


“The toughest challenge for the camp — I feel like — [is] just the playbook,” he said. “I feel like I got really adapted to it. I’ve been in the playbook — really — all day (and) all night, understanding the little bits, the formations [and] the motions. Understanding what everybody else has — [because] what if I am in that position?


“So just understanding all of that, I feel like that really helped me in this training camp.”


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