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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Ed Easton Jr.

Chiefs OC Matt Nagy compares rookie standout to Rashee Rice: ‘You see more production’

The Kansas City Chiefs remain atop the NFL record-wise, largely thanks to the contributions of their young players, including rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy. Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy spoke with reporters via Zoom on Sunday about Worthy reminding him of Rashee Rice’s rookie campaign last year.

“Consistently productive player confidence and the game is slowing down for him (Xavier Worthy). It reminds me so much of Rashee (Rice) last year.” Said Nagy. “It’s crazy how much it reminds me of that same type of avenue that Rashee went through last year; it was a little slow for the first four or five, six weeks, and then weeks like 7,8,9, 10. You can sense it. You might not see it in a stat book, but you can sense it as a coach.”

Worthy was productive for a second consecutive week, scoring a touchdown in the victories. He finished Saturday’s game against the Houston Texans with seven catches for 65 yards and the touchdown to lead the team.

“You can sense it from watching tape, and now all of a sudden, you naturally see more targets, you see more touches, you see more production.” Said Nagy. “It’s exactly what happened with Rashee, and I’m telling you, it’s crazy how similar it is, and it’s exciting because you see what Rashee came into this year, what he did early on, and I think that’s, that’s the path for this kid.”

Worthy’s confidence is displayed in his attack on the ball in the air, even if he accidentally disrupted a pass meant for Travis Kelce in the endzone during Saturday’s win.

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