Mahomes, Chiefs targeting more deep balls with speedy WRs - ESPN

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs were encouraged by the preseason play of rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy, who set the scouting combine record of 4.21 seconds in the 40-yard dash. In limited playing time, Worthy caught a 39-yard pass from quarterback Patrick Mahomes and a 22-yard touchdown from backup Carson Wentz in a game against the Detroit Lions.

The Chiefs were just as excited about another Worthy play from that game that attracted less attention. Worthy ran a deep route and — to account for his speed — the Lions sent three defenders to cover him, leaving the middle of the field open.

That's where another Chiefs wide receiver, Justin Watson, caught a pass for a 20-yard gain. Worthy was not only getting his own but creating for others.

«Xavier used all that speed to blow out three guys and I just found that spot right underneath him,'' Watson said. „Usually, I'm the guy that's taking the top off (the defense). It was nice being the guy that gets to catch.''

• Mahomes, Jackson to add to rivalry in opener
• Kyler Murray hopes LA trip translates to wins
• Bengals believe Chase can still make impact
• Rams seeking revenge in Detroit
• Cowboys, McCarthy see opportunity in 2024

The Chiefs added another fast wide receiver during the offseason in free agent Marquise Brown, though he will not play in the season opener against the Baltimore Ravens (8:20 p.m. ET Thursday, NBC) after dislocating his shoulder in the preseason. They also kept another deep threat at receiver in Mecole Hardman, giving the Chiefs and Mahomes three extraordinarily fast options.

“We've got three guys that are all fast that can take the top off the defense, so they don't know who exactly it's going to be on each play,'' Watson said. „And