KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs made a significant move during the season by acquiring wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, especially after losing Marquise Brown and Rashee Rice to injuries. The expectation was that this three-time All-Pro player could fortify a position that has often faced challenges. Little did they know the impact this trade would have over the ensuing months.
With Hopkins providing a reliable target, both he and Brown stepped up to mentor Xavier Worthy, the team’s first-round pick. Worthy reflected on the experience, expressing that learning from experienced players has greatly enhanced his understanding of the game as the team readies for its divisional playoff matchup against Houston this Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium. “I’ve learned a lot from these guys who have performed well against tough competition,” he stated. “Their insights have played a crucial role in my evolution as a player,” Worthy noted.
Statistically, the evidence of Worthy’s improvement is clear. In his initial nine games, he recorded just 20 receptions for 246 yards and three touchdowns. However, in the following seven games, coinciding with Hopkins’ arrival, Worthy saw a significant increase in productivity with 39 catches for 392 yards, along with three additional touchdowns. “D-Hop is very skilled at running routes and has extensive experience in the league,” Worthy praised. “With Hollywood Brown, who has a playing style similar to mine, I have learned how to navigate routes against bigger defenders.” Worthy, however, playfully declined to share specific techniques, joking, “I can’t reveal my tricks or they’ll be public knowledge.”
It’s noteworthy that both Hopkins and Worthy are on one-year deals, which means they’re not contractually obligated to assist the Chiefs beyond the current season. However, both players are motivated by a common goal: securing their first Super Bowl rings. By investing in Worthy’s development, their contributions could better prepare Kansas City for a potentially deep playoff run.
On the subject of playoff readiness, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes expressed confidence in Worthy’s ability to handle the pressure, noting that he has already faced high-stakes games during his time with Texas in the College Football Playoff. “I expect Worthy to handle the adrenaline and nerves like he has all season,” Mahomes remarked. “He has consistently performed well under big-game scenarios, and I anticipate that continuing into the playoffs.”
Adding to the momentum of the Chiefs’ receiving corps, Brown made his return in December following shoulder surgery he underwent after dislocating the joint during the preseason. Initially, the team hoped for a swift recovery, but complications delayed his return until late November, when he was able to participate in practice again. By mid-December, Brown was back on the field, marking his return in a match against Houston, and he also played a pivotal role in the game on Christmas Day against Pittsburgh, which secured the top seed in the AFC.
The Chiefs have successfully transformed their receiving group from a potential liability to one that includes the talents of Hopkins, Brown, and Worthy, potentially elevating their chances of winning a third consecutive Lombardi Trophy. “With all the injuries we’ve encountered, we’ve worked hard throughout this season,” Mahomes said. “I feel our team is improving week by week, which is vital as we aim to play our best football as the season climaxes.”
In other team news, kicker Harrison Butker has struggled with field goals and PATs in recent games, leading to questions regarding whether his midseason knee surgery impacted his performance. Special teams coach Dave Toub commented, “He showed great power in practice, looking like the Butker we’ve come to know.” Additionally, cornerback Jaylen Watson, who has been sidelined since suffering a broken ankle on October 20, hopes to return to action on Saturday. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo indicated the importance of Watson’s preparation in the upcoming days, stating, “He needs to adapt back to the heightened speed that playoff games demand.”
