Chiefs coaching staff evaluates wide receiver room after four games

Kansas City #Chiefs coaching staff evaluates wide receiver room after four games | @EdEastonJr

Rashee Rice’s knee injury took away the Kansas City Chiefs’ top receiver last Sunday, forcing the coaching staff to look for another player to step into that role.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid spoke with reporters on Monday via Zoom about the state of several wide receivers on the roster after Rice’s injury. He included rookie standout Xavier Worthy, fresh from his spectacular 54-yard touchdown reception last Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers.

“We’ll see how he does (Worthy). We’ve got guys here who have experience playing the game. It’s not that he’s the only one; he doesn’t have to be the only one.” said Reid. “So, we’ve got a good group of guys there that we can utilize, and we normally spread the ball around, and that’s what we’ll continue to strive to do.”

The Chiefs added JuJu Smith-Schuster to the roster shortly before the start of the regular season, and he’s already contributed with a touchdown reception this season.

I think he’s (Smith-Schuster) played quite a bit up to this point. And I think he’s in good shape,” said Reid. “Pat’s (Patrick Mahomes) got a lot of trust in him, and he’s still a good football player.

Skyy Moore has been another consistent player this season, although not statistically, and Reid commented on his contributions to the team.

“Sky is a good football player. He’s given us some good downs. He had the one drop yesterday on the third down.” said Reid. “He knows he has to make it, but he’s given us some good downs over these four games. So we’re OK.”

The number of targets for each player may significantly increase over the next few weeks.

Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy impressed by Texas Longhorns QB Arch Manning

Kansas City #Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy was impressed by what he saw from Texas #Longhorns QB Arch Manning over the weekend.

Though Xaver Worthy has been busy trying to help the Kansas City Chiefs reach their third straight Super Bowl, he hasn’t stopped keeping tabs on his alma mater, the University of Texas, on Saturdays.

This weekend, the Texas Longhorns faced the Mississippi State Bulldogs in an exciting SEC matchup.

The Longhorns had one of the top young quarterbacks in the country, Arch Manning, under center in the game, and Worthy took to Twitter to express how impressed he was by the redshirt freshman’s performance.

Check out what Worthy had to say about Manning during Texas’ dominating win over Mississippi State:

 

Worthy made waves of his own on over the weekend, catching three passes on four targets, including a 54-yard touchdown from Patrick Mahomes in the Chiefs’ Week 4 win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

Expect the rookie wideout to continue commenting on the Longhorns as he adjusts to life in the NFL.

 

Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy details his 54-yard touchdown: ‘It worked out just like that’

Kansas City #Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy details his 54-yard touchdown: ‘It worked out just like that’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy had another breakout performance on Sunday in the victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.

The elite sprinter opened up about his 54-yard touchdown reception to reporters during his postgame press conference. He explained the planning process with quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

“We talked about it on the sideline,” said Worthy. “I told Pat, probably around the first quarter, ‘If you get this play call, I’m (going to) stutter it a little bit at the top of the route, and it worked. It worked out just like that, which is crazy.”

The slight stutter on the route was enough to get separation on the play, although Worthy believes his speed in running straight was good enough.

“I feel like I would have had it if I would have run it straight,” said Worthy. “But the stutter just added a little bit of sauce to it.”

Mahomes chimed in on his view of the big play that put the Chiefs on the scoreboard after struggling in the first half. He also praised the rookie receiver for stepping up after Rashee Rice’s injury.

“The big-time catch down the field, some big-time third-down conversions, he’s a great football player, I think he’s just getting more and more comfortable within the offense,” said Mahomes. “When I go back to the tape, I feel like there’s going to be a couple more that I thought about taking those chances, and I think he ended up winning, and so as I build comfortability with him, I’ll keep taking those chances, and when he makes plays like that like he did today, it’ll give me that ability to kind of shoot him and let him go out there one-on-one and make catches.”

Worthy may have played himself into a more significant role moving forward as his speed continues to dominate opposing defensive backs.

Chiefs vs. Chargers: Patrick Mahomes, Xavier Worthy strike for long touchdown

Check out this video of #Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes’ outstanding touchdown pass to Xavier Worthy against the #Chargers in Week 4.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ offense took some time to get in rhythm against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday afternoon but finally found their groove when Patrick Mahomes hit Xavier Worthy for a 54-yard touchdown in the second quarter.

The outstanding play came after a disastrous start for Mahomes at SoFi Stadium and effectively kick-started Kansas City’s effort to earn a fourth consecutive win to start the regular season.

Star wide receiver Rashee Rice sustained a knee injury in the first quarter, and Worthy stepped up when the Chiefs needed him most to get Kansas City on the board.

Check out this video of Worthy’s incredible catch, which was posted by the Chiefs’ official account on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1840505902064972101

This game is far from over, but this pitch and catch from Mahomes and Worthy may be just what Kansas City needed to get into winning form against the Chargers.

Stay tuned to see if the Chiefs can stay hot in Los Angeles.

5 Chiefs players to watch in Week 4 vs. Chargers

The Chiefs and Chargers are set to face off in Week 4. The defending Super Bowl champs have several players that you have to keep an eye on.

In order to avoid falling to .500 a month into the season, the Chargers will have the mighty task of trying to bring down the Chiefs. It’s the second division matchup of the year for Jim Harbaugh’s side.

If they want to bounce back after their loss to the Steelers last weekend, they will need to return to dominating in the trenches.

Here are five Chiefs players to keep an eye on for this upcoming weekend:

WR Xavier Worthy

It’ll be the first time that the Chargers get a look at the rookie wideout. Worthy is someone that Chargers DC Jesse Minter will have to keep an eye on at all times. Back in April, he ran a 4.21 40-yard dash at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. Through three career games, he’s got 11 total touches for 120 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown.

TE Travis Kelce

This is an obvious one, but it’s perhaps for different reasons this time around. Over the years, he’s established himself as the best tight end year in and year out. This year though, he’s looked a step slower through three weeks. The veteran has caught eight of the 12 targets thrown his way for a total of just 69 yards. It’ll be interesting to see if his struggles continue or if we truly have already seen the best of Kelce.

OG Trey Smith

Smith continues to be one of the best value picks at the NFL Draft in recent years. The Chiefs took him in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and he’s evolved into one of the best guards in football. That’s been no different this season, as he’s been dominant in the first three weeks. The interior part of the Chiefs offensive line may give the Chargers fits, which could be a major difference in the game.

LB Nick Bolton

Bolton has become a vital part of Steve Spagnuolo’s evolving defense in Kansas City. Through three weeks, he’s played 92% of the Chiefs’ defensive snaps. In a game in which the Chargers will try to get their running game back on track, Bolton will be a huge player to watch in this one.

CB Trent McDuffie

With L’Jarius Sneed gone, McDuffie has been asked to do more this season. So far, he’s passed with flying colors. Through three games, he has allowed just five receptions. The Chargers don’t exactly have a clear No. 1 wide receiver, so McDuffie will guard several different guys on Sunday.

Key things to know about Chargers’ Week 4 opponent: Chiefs

Here are some important things to know about the Chiefs ahead of the Week 4 matchup with the Chargers.

The Chargers are back at home to face the Chiefs on Sunday, Sept. 29, at 1:25 p.m. PT.

To get you prepped for the Week 4 bout, here are five key things to know about Los Angeles’ opponent ahead of the matchup.

Patrick hasn’t been perfect

It’s safe to say that it’s been a disappointing start for the best player in the NFL. Despite the 3-0 start for the Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes hasn’t been as much of a factor. Through three games, Mahomes has thrown for 659 yards with five touchdowns to four interceptions. He’s also rushed for 49 yards.

Rice is nice

Rashee Rice has established himself as Mahomes’ top target. The second-year player has 24 catches for 288 yards and two scores. He currently has the second-most receiving yards in the NFL. In two of three games, Rice surpassed the 100-yard mark.

What’s going on with Kelce?

After asserting himself as one of the league’s premier tight ends, Travis Kelce hasn’t played to that level so far this season. In three games, Kelce has eight receptions for 69 yards. He has yet to find the end zone. Most of Kelce’s production has gone to Rice and first-round pick Xavier Worthy.

Checking in on Spags

The numbers don’t truly reflect how defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolu’s defense has played. While the Chiefs’ defense is 15th in points per game and 25th in yards per game, Spagnuolu has put his guys in position to make timely plays to succeed. Kansas City has done a good job limiting their opponents’ top running backs. Derrick Henry averaged 3.5 yards per carry. Zack Moss had 2.8 YPC. Bijan Robinson only rushed for 1.9 YPC.

Look out for…

Chris Jones. Jones will present a problem for the Chargers’ interior offensive line. Arguably one of the best defensive tackles, Jones has 13 quarterback pressures, nine hurries and two sacks.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid evaluates Xavier Worthy’s progression through three games

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid evaluates Xavier Worthy’s progression through three games | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs held on late again to win a game this season, thanks to contributions from multiple players.

During his weekly Monday Zoom press conference, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid shared his thoughts on rookie Xavier Worthy’s ongoing development through three games this season.

“He’s (Xavier Worthy) doing a great job with that (learning the playbook). I pulled off on a couple of the routes just with some of what they were doing.” Reid said. “But he had a number of routes there in the first 15. I just chose to pull off him because of what they were doing. So, he’s doing a nice job for us. He’ll have other games here where he has more drafts. He did a nice job with the quick game stuff. We’re using him on.”

Worthy had two catches for 17 yards and 13 rushing yards on three carries in the 22-17 win Sunday night against the Atlanta Falcons. He wasn’t expected to replicate the two-touchdown performance in his Week 1 NFL debut, but he has found a consistent role in the offense as a gadget player for various formations.

Chiefs vs. Falcons Week 3: How to watch, listen and stream

Check out everything you need to know to watch, listen, and stream the Kansas City #Chiefs’ Week 3 matchup against the Atlanta #Falcons.

The Kansas City Chiefs will look to continue their hot start to the 2024 regular season as they head to Georgia to take on the Atlanta Falcons this Sunday.

The Chiefs’ offense will be without the help of wide receiver Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown and running back Isiah Pacheco after both were placed on the team’s injured reserve list.

Still, Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice are expected to build on their outstanding performances this season, and Kansas City’s offense should have no problem getting in rhythm against Atlanta’s defense.

After head coach Andy Reid announced on Friday that returning running back Kareem Hunt would not play in Sunday’s game, fans will have to wait to see their old friend in a Chiefs uniform.

Still, Chiefs Kingdom should expect to see a great game as Kansas City looks to open up its offensive playbook against Atlanta’s defense, which is allowing just over 317 yards per game.

Below are important game details about this Week 3 matchup:

Game information:

Who: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Atlanta Falcons

When: Sunday, September 22, 7:20 p.m. CST

Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta, Georgia

Streaming:

In-market live stream: FuboTV (free 7-day trial)

Streaming: NFL+ or Peacock

Broadcast:

TV: NBC, KSHB-TV (Channel 41) (Watch FREE with Fubo)

Radio: KFNZ-FM (96.5 The Fan)

Broadcasters:

Mike Tirico (play-by-play), Chris Collinsworth (analyst), Melissa Stark (sideline)

Opponent wire site:

Falcons Wire

2024 Schedule:

Week Date Opponent Time
1 Thursday, Sept. 5 vs. Baltimore Ravens (W) 7:20 p.m. CT on NBC
2 Sunday, Sept. 15 vs. Cincinnati Bengals (W) 3:25 p.m. CT on CBS
3 Sunday, Sept. 22 @ Atlanta Falcons 7:20 p.m. CT on NBC
4 Sunday, Sept. 29 @ Los Angeles Chargers 3:25 p.m. CT on CBS
5 Monday, Oct. 7 vs. New Orleans Saints 7:15 p.m CT on ESPN
6 BYE BYE BYE
7 Sunday, Oct. 20 @ San Francisco 49ers 3:25 p.m. CT on FOX
8 Sunday, Oct. 27 @ Las Vegas Raiders 3:25 p.m. CT on CBS
9 Monday, Nov. 4 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7:15 p.m. CT on ESPN
10 Sunday, Nov. 10 vs. Denver Broncos Noon CT on CBS
11 Sunday, Nov. 17 @ Buffalo Bills 3:25 p.m. CT on CBS
12 Sunday, Nov. 24 @ Carolina Panthers Noon CT on CBS
13 Friday, Nov. 29 vs Las Vegas Raiders 2 p.m. CT on Prime
14 Sunday, Dec. 8 vs. Los Angeles Chargers 7:20 p.m. CT on NBC
15 Sunday, Dec. 15 @ Cleveland Browns Noon CT on CBS
16 Saturday, Dec. 21 vs. Houston Texans Noon CT on NBC
17 Wednesday, Dec. 25 @ Pittsburgh Steelers Noon CT on Netflix
18 Sunday, Jan. 5 @ Denver Broncos TBD

Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy can earn a spot in the NFL record books vs. Bengals

Kansas City #Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy can earn a spot in the NFL record books vs. Cincinnati Bengals | @EdEastonJr

Although the Kansas City Chiefs are only entering the second week of the new season, players are already approaching career milestones.

Last week, Chiefs rookie Xavier Worthy became the third wide receiver in league history to record both a rushing and a receiving touchdown in his first career game. He finished with a 21-yard rushing touchdown, two catches for 47 yards, and a receiving touchdown in Kansas City’s Week 1 victory over the Baltimore Ravens.

The former Texas standout with multiple touchdowns in today’s game against the Chiefs’ longtime AFC rival Bengals can become the fifth player with multiple touchdowns in his first two career games since 1970. Worthy would be joining Billy Sims in 1980, Marion Butts in 1989, Jahvid Best in 2010, and Kareem Hunt in 2017.

Hunt, the most recent rookie to accomplish this rare achievement, did it as a member of the Chiefs. He finished that season as the NFL rushing leader at 1,327 yards and earned a Pro Bowl selection. After the unfortunate news of ‘Hollywood’ Brown needing surgery, Worthy will continue to see more targets in the offense.

Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy snubbed for NFL’s Rookie of the Week award

Despite his two touchdown performance against the #Ravens, #Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy was snubbed for the NFL’s Rookie of the Week award.

The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off an electric win to start the season, where rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy made an impressive debut, posting almost 100 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns.

After such an impactful start to his regular season, both fans, pundits, and the NFL itself took notice of Worthy’s outstanding performance.

On Monday, the NFL’s official Twitter opened voting for the 2024 season’s first Rookie of the Week in a showdown between Worthy, Jayden Daniels, Malik Nabers, Brock Bowers, Brian Thomas, and Jha’Quan Jackson.

After voting closed on Thursday morning, it was announced that Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels was Week 1’s Rookie of the Week, shocking Chiefs Kingdom.

Awards like this are largely meaningless, but after such a powerful performance by the former Texas Longhorn, fans are left wondering what it will take for him to be named Rookie of the Week.

Expect the speedster to take note of his snub heading into the Kansas City’s Week 2 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.