Xavier Worthy's mom reacts as Chiefs seal late, late 30-27 win over 3-win Panthers
Xavier Worthy and the Kansas City Chiefs had to dig deep on Sunday. After losing the first game of the season in Week 11 against the Buffalo Bills, many expected the Chiefs, with a 9-1 record, to easily handle the Carolina Panthers, who held a 3-7 record prior to the game.
But it was nothing as advertised because the Panthers kept the game close for its entirety. Carolina scored 17 points in the second half and tied the game with a two-point conversion after the two-minute warning. However, Patrick Mahomes led the visitors to a quick drive that ended in a game-winning field goal and a 30-27 score.
With the Chiefs back to winning ways, the mom of Kansas City's wide receiver Xavier Worthy celebrated on Twitter with the video of the game-winning field goal. The rookie added four receptions and 46 receiving yards during the game, along with one carry for five yards.
Worthy almost became a member of the Panthers, as the Chiefs traded up to the 28th spot to draft him in 2024. Carolina held the 32nd pick and was expected to pick him if he was still available, but Andy Reid's team, who desperately needed a wide receiver, jumped them.
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He has been a key cog for Andy Reid's offense. Although his role diminished after the Chiefs traded for DeAndre Hopkins, he's still a vertical weapon for Patrick Mahomes, often stressing opposing defenses and creating underneath spaces.
In 11 games, Worthy has amassed 353 receiving yards, 49 rushing yards and six total touchdowns. The first-round pick has been involved in 63% of Kansas City's offensive snaps, but he has not had a game with over 100 receiving yards in his career.
His effectiveness is extremely important for his role on the offense. With six total touchdowns, only Ja'Marr Chase from the Cincinnati Bengals (12) and Amon-Ra St. Brown from the Detroit Lions (9) have more touchdowns than him, although a number of players are tied with six. He has been an important contributor, and no other receiver in Kansas City has his verticality.