Training camp is flying by. We blinked and the pre-season matches have already started.
The Kansas City Chiefs open against the Jacksonville Jaguars this Saturday (10).
It will be the first chance for the rookies and young players to show if they are physically, mentally and tactically prepared to make a place in the squad during the regular season.
In particular, Xavier Worthy, the team’s big bet, will make his debut with a lot of pressure and responsibility on his back.
What the Chiefs are expecting from Worthy
At this pre-season stage, it’s time for the coaching staff to analyse whether the training sessions have had an effect.
It’s difficult for the big stars to play before September. That’s because you can’t risk injury or unnecessary unforeseen circumstances.
The absolute starters, such as Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Chris Jones, etc., will be on the sidelines watching and instructing the rookies.
Mahomes, specifically, is excited about this first matchup and Worthy’s performance.
If he lives up to all expectations, it’s very likely that he’ll be a starter alongside Hollywood Brown.
Pat Mahomes can’t wait to see his team in action
Kansas City’s offense is the great promise of 2024. The defense continues to work consistently, but the momentum is all with the offensive unit.
Chiefs quarterback spoke to the media this week and told reporters about his excitement about Worthy and the upcoming season.
“I’m extremely excited. I mean, obviously, for me to go out there and play with these guys and showcase what we’re – we have the ability to do, but then learn from our mistakes too. I mean, you want to go out there and play for real against someone else.”
He even mentioned the defense and coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
“I’m tired of going against (Defensive Coordinator Coach Steve) Spags (Spagnuolo) and every defense known to man, and so I think just going out there, letting the guys play, make decisions under fire, and have to make those right decisions and learn from the mistakes after.”
KC’s signal-caller brought up an aspect that nobody had talked about until now: “I think what I’ve loved the most is how much they root for each other,” said about his teammates.
“You can see it out there when guys make plays – everybody is going out there to celebrate. We have a lot of good guys that are playing hard, and (they are) all making plays against a great defense.”
He then added: “It’s not always going to be perfect (and) it’s not always going to be the perfect play or whatever, but they’re all competing every single time (and) they’re rooting for each other, and that’s what you want in the receiving room is a good group of guys that are talented.”
In an eventful year like 2024, partnership, commitment and focus are all they need to be champions again.
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