The Kansas City Chiefs returned from their Week 9 loss to the Buffalo Bills with more than just corrections to make on the field.
They also found themselves addressing an unexpected storyline involving rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston, whose post-game comments about Chiefs receiver Xavier Worthy sparked questions about whether the young wideout was tipping plays.
The remarks came shortly after the Bills’ 28-21 win, and they lingered long enough that Patrick Mahomes was asked about them during his media session on Wednesday.
Hairston, who recorded one interception in the game, said he noticed a difference in Worthy‘s demeanor depending on the type of play Kansas City ran. His comments suggested he believed he had found a subtle tell, something that could offer an edge in diagnosing the Chiefs‘ offense.
“Finding a difference in his posture and his effort for real when he knows he’s not getting it, when it’s a run,” Hairston said. “So just applying what I saw in the film room and taking it out to the field. There are tells that everybody gives. It’s just about finding out.”
The assessment created a stir not only because it came from a rookie but also because Worthy has been viewed as one of Kansas City’s most promising young playmakers.
Mahomes looked caught off guard when asked about the claim, though he did not dismiss the idea that an opponent might pick up something on film.
“I didn’t necessarily see it. I mean, obviously if he said it, he saw something,” Mahomes said. “But we’ll be better at looking at things like that. I appreciate the info so that we can be better at that as the season gones on.”
Worthy pushes back on Hairston’s interpretation
Worthy, who has worked to carve out a consistent role in the Chiefs‘ offense, responded with calm and patience. He expressed confidence in his preparation and did not believe Hairston accurately interpreted anything from the matchup.
“I don’t react to it,” Worthy said as per The Kansas City Star. “If you couldn’t point out the indicator, then you’ve really seen no indicator. It just happens. It’s part of the game. We’re going to bounce back. I’ll be all right. You put it in the back burner- you don’t worry about it.”
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