Does one player really make that much of a difference? Xavier Worthy’s return for the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4 against the Baltimore Ravens would appear to be a difference-making return.
Having not been the explosive offense over the first three weeks, upon Worthy’s return, the high-octane unit returned, with Worthy playing a key role in helping open up the offense with 83 receiving yards (one 37-yard reception) and 38 yards rushing (one 35-yard rush) that pushed the Chiefs along to the tune of a 37-20 win.
While it isn’t out of the realm of possibility to think that Worthy’s return was the sole reason for the offensive explosion, Patrick Mahomes knows the difference having No. 1 on the field can make.
“With the offensive line, we just had better communication,” Mahomes said via ESPN. “With Xavier being back, it’s that threat of being able to win over the top. It’s scary for defenses when they’re going to bring pressure, knowing you can get it to that guy — short or deep — and then he can make plays happen.”
When will Rashee Rice return?
Having been suspended for six games for an off-the-field incident in the offseason, the earliest Rice will return to the Chiefs’ offense is Week 7 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
With Worthy returning, we saw what the offense is capable of looking like, and in a couple of weeks, we can add Rice, who is primarily viewed as Mahomes’ No. 1 target. Suddenly, Kansas City might be in business.
Of course, there might be a ramp-up period for Rice, but conversely, the Chiefs have so many offensive weapons that Rice could ease back into action by being on a snap count for the first couple of games.
Either way, the Chiefs showed what they can be with Worthy returning, and with Rice coming back soon, the team everyone thought was done two weeks ago now has signs of life.
