Kadarius Toney’s journey through his three-year NFL career has been characteristically tumultuous, marked by both moments of brilliance and disconcerting inconsistency. While the young athlete has shown flashes of exceptional talent, his career has also been riddled with injuries and mental lapses that have marred his progress.
Rookie Struggles and Breakthroughs
Toney's professional journey began with the New York Giants, where he was initially employed sparingly during his rookie season. Despite this slow start, Toney soon showcased his potential with standout performances, including a 6-catch game for 78 yards and a subsequent 10-catch game for an impressive 189 yards. However, these moments of excellence were soon overshadowed by injuries, which severely impacted his consistency.
Transition to Kansas City
After a year and a half with the Giants, Toney was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs. The trade saw the Giants receiving third- and sixth-round picks in return, underscoring the Chiefs’ belief in Toney's untapped potential. Since joining the Chiefs, Toney has participated in 20 out of 31 regular-season and postseason games, a testament to his more robust involvement but also a reminder of lingering availability issues.
Super Bowl Heroics and Subsequent Struggles
One of Toney's most notable contributions came during Super Bowl LVII, where he made a significant punt return and a touchdown catch, showcasing his big-game potential. However, this high was followed by notable lows; the first week of the last season saw Toney dropping crucial passes against the Lions. Additionally, he negated his own game-winning touchdown against the Bills with an offsides penalty, highlighting his continued struggle with critical mental lapses.
Chiefs’ Commitment and Versatility
Despite these challenges, the Chiefs remain committed to integrating Toney further into their offensive schemes. This commitment is evident as Toney has recently participated in running back drills during training camp. Throughout his NFL career, he has lined up in the backfield 25 times and has been used as a running back or option quarterback 67 times during his college tenure.
Rushing Contributions
In the NFL, Toney has accumulated 21 carries for 119 yards and a touchdown. Notably, last season, he managed 31 yards on 11 carries, though only two of those attempts resulted in first downs. These statistics reflect his sporadic yet impactful rushing contributions.
As Kadarius Toney continues to navigate his NFL career, the blend of potential and pitfalls remains prominent. While his journey has been far from linear, the Chiefs' ongoing commitment to resourcefully utilizing his talents could very well be the key to unlocking his full potential.