On Thursday night, the NFL returned with fireworks as the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens put together a thrilling season opener. The Chiefs emerged with a 27-20 victory after Isaiah Likely’s touchdown, which would have tied the game, was overturned because his toe was out of bounds in the final seconds. While the Chiefs got contributions from familiar faces, one rookie, Xavier Worthy, made headlines.
The former Longhorns star caught two passes for 47 yards and one touchdown. His first career receiving touchdown proved to be the difference, giving Kansas City a 27-17 lead in the fourth quarter. What stood out the most about Worthy was his elite speed, which sent Arrowhead Stadium into a frenzy.
After the Ravens took an early 7-0 lead, the Chiefs turned to their rookie to tie things in the first quarter. On a 21-yard run, Worthy sprinted by defenders to find the end zone. Worthy showed why he is an electric talent the first time he touched the football in an NFL regular season game.
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His impact did not go unnoticed as Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes spoke highly of his new weapon.
“Just having him out there, it just opens up stuff,” Mahomes told the media postgame. “You saw when he’s out there, they’re playing shell coverages. It’s getting guys like [Travis Kelce] and it’s getting guys like [Rashee Rice] open underneath, and that’s what’s so great about this offense is we’re able to do all of that, and that’s when we’re at our best.”
As the Chiefs look to win their third straight championship, Worthy will be an important piece. He was drafted in the first round because of his ability to frustrate defenses with his speed. On Thursday night, with all eyes in the football world on Kansas City and Baltimore, Worthy did not disappoint.
It was only the start of what should be a special rookie season for the former Texas star.