The concern about Kadarius Toney’s place in the NFL was never about talent.
The young wideout began his career as a first-round NFL Draft pick of the New York Giants following a dazzling, if inconsistent run as a Swiss Army Knife in the Florida Gators’ offense. He languished there in the final year of the failed Joe Judge era, displaying flashes of athleticism and bouts of inactivity. He struggled with injury and eventually pressed the issue on a trade out of New York and away from Daniel Jones.
This delivered him into Patrick Mahomes’ offense with the Kansas City Chiefs at the price of a third- and sixth-round pick. And for the most part, this looked like a good deal for the Giants.
Until the Chiefs showed the world what Toney can do on the biggest stage of them all.
The second-year wideout, back off the injury report after dealing with leg issues throughout the season, gave Kansas City its first lead of Super Bowl 57 on Sunday by dismantling the Eagles’ secondary with some pre-snap motion.
perhaps the most thoroughly devastating pre-snap motion i have ever seen pic.twitter.com/UIIkh7rHFt
— Christian D'Andrea (@TrainIsland) February 13, 2023
This was child’s play compared to what came next. One three-and-out later, Philadelphia punter Arryn Siposs delivered a line-drive punt right into Toney’s waiting arms. After nearly running into a wall of Eagle defenders, the wideout reversed field, dropped into second gear and scooted his way 65 yards to the longest punt return in Super Bowl history.
How did Toney break out of this?!
📺: #SBLVII on FOX
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/d8gBDzRt2m pic.twitter.com/2TmFv8bedw— NFL (@NFL) February 13, 2023
That set up another Chiefs touchdown — this time to Skyy Moore — that helped turn a 10-point deficit into an eight-point lead.
Kansas City didn’t get much from Toney in the regular season, but the return he brought came at the best possible time. In the span of roughly two Super Bowl minutes, Toney ensured Andy Reid and his team’s brain trust would have zero buyer’s remorse about their in-season addition. Toney may not be on the field for a long time, but he’s making dang sure he’s out there for a good time.
