Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes hails Xavier Worthy’s impact in NFL debut

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Rookie receiver Xavier Worthy scored a touchdown the first time he had the ball in an NFL game. He then scored another touchdown in the fourth quarter, this one ending in the game-winning field goal Thursday night.

But for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, touchdowns weren’t Worthy’s biggest contribution to the Chiefs’ 27-20 win over the Baltimore Ravens. Mahomes said the speedy rookie made an impact on the game simply by being there.

“Just having him on the field opens things up,” Mahomes said. “You’ve seen when he’s on the field, they play shell coverages. He allows guys like (Travis Kelce) and guys like (Rashee Rice) to get underneath, and that’s what’s great about this offense is we’re able to do all that, and that’s when we’re at our best.”

Worthy caught just two passes, including a 35-yard touchdown from Mahomes in the final period. He scored the Chiefs’ first touchdown on a 21-yard reverse.

The Ravens were concerned enough about Worthy’s speed, which set a 4.21-second 40-yard dash, that Rice had a solid game with seven receptions and 103 yards. The Chiefs’ top two tight ends, Kelce and Noah Gray, combined for six receptions and 71 yards.

The Chiefs played without their big offseason free agent addition, receiver Marquise Brown, who missed the game with a dislocated shoulder but is expected to return early in the season.

“When Hollywood is on the field, it’s going to be tough for defenses to decide who they want to cover,” Mahomes said.

Worthy also did the opposite in a preseason game. This time, he fumbled the ball. But he said he told offensive coordinator Matt Nagy during the Chiefs’ visit Thursday morning that he would score a touchdown on the play if they called it against the Ravens.

That’s one of the things the Chiefs said they like about Worthy: Big moments aren’t too big for him.

“I’m not really afraid of being nervous,” Worthy said. “I feel like I’m a kid again, playing in the backyard.”

Worthy was so excited after his first touchdown that he forgot to retrieve the ball as a souvenir. Mahomes saved him by retrieving it himself.

“He’s always so calm and collected,” Mahomes said. “You never see his excitement, but he goes out there and makes plays. Obviously, we want to continue to use him more and more, but I thought he had a great day today, making some big plays and big moments.”