Over the course of three years in the NFL, Kadarius Toney's career has been a roller coaster of highs and lows, marked by moments of brilliance disrupted by injuries and inconsistencies. As the promising wide receiver continues his journey with the Kansas City Chiefs, the world remains eager to see if Toney can finally put it all together.
A Promising Start Turned Rocky
Toney's entrance into the NFL with the New York Giants saw him being utilized sparingly during his rookie season. The wide receiver showed flashes of his potential with a standout performance, catching six passes for 78 yards in one game followed by a remarkable 10-catch, 189-yard outing. Unfortunately, injuries quickly followed these breakout games, halting his momentum and casting doubts on his reliability.
After a year and a half with the Giants, Toney was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for third- and sixth-round picks. This move signified a fresh start for Toney, with hopes that the change of environment could help him achieve more consistency in his performances.
Making an Impact with the Chiefs
Since joining the Chiefs, Toney has been a mixed bag of performances. He has participated in 20 out of 31 regular-season and postseason games, highlighting his ongoing struggle with availability. However, Toney proved his value on the grandest stage when he delivered a crucial punt return and a touchdown catch during Super Bowl LVII. These performances underscore his ability to make game-changing plays when healthy and in form.
Setbacks and Struggles
Despite his contributions, Toney has also faced significant setbacks. In the first week of last season against the Lions, he dropped passes that would have been routine for a player of his caliber. In another critical moment, Toney negated his own game-winning touchdown against the Bills with an offsides penalty. These mental mistakes have overshadowed his athletic prowess and have been a cause for concern regarding his consistency.
A Versatile Weapon
The Chiefs appear committed to fully tapping into Toney's potential. During training camp, he has participated in running back drills, a role he occasionally assumed in college. Throughout his NFL career, Toney has lined up in the backfield 25 times, and he was used as a running back or option quarterback 67 times during his college days. In the NFL, he has 21 carries for 119 yards and a touchdown, with 31 of those yards coming on 11 carries last season. However, only two of his rushing attempts last season resulted in first downs.
The Road Ahead
The Chiefs’ investment in Toney suggests that they believe he can be more than just a wide receiver. By employing him in various capacities, they aim to maximize his athletic skills and reduce the impact of his inconsistencies. His ability to line up as a running back or engage in option plays could make him an even more formidable weapon on offense.
Only time will tell if Kadarius Toney can overcome his history of injuries and mental mistakes to become a staple in the Chiefs' offensive lineup. His journey so far has been marked by tantalizing glimpses of his capability, mixed with moments that have left fans and coaches in frustration. As the new season looms, all eyes will be on Toney, watching to see if he can finally harness his talent and make a lasting impact in the NFL.