Kadarius Toney finding rhythm in the New York Giants offense
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney found a bit of a rhythm Sunday against the Saints.
The New York Giants found a way to get it done in the win column, Sunday edging out the Saints in overtime. The Giants are definitely still a work in progress on both sides of the ball, but there is a bit of a rhythm developing on their offense. Daniel Jones isn’t playing horribly this year, Andrew Thomas is starting to develop and play well, and the receiving weapons are helping things out. The most notable contribution from Sunday might just have been the play from rookie first rounder Kadarius Toney.
Toney, a first round pick out of Florida, didn’t produce all that much in college until his final season, catching 70 passes for 984 yards. He did, however, find the end zone on 10 instances. Still, the majority of draft analysts who weren’t as high on him was because that much of his production came from manufactured touches. Winning on your own as a separator (in one of three ways) is how to sustain your career as a wide receiver. Toney did most of his damage in college after the catch, with wicked twitch and suddenness to make defenders miss, and impressive contact balance.
There is a place for that in today’s NFL, as the quick passing game becomes an extension of the running game. Trusting receivers to create after the catch is closing the gap on being able to win pre-catch. It’s not likely the former catches the latter, but its importance has been increasing. That’s where a player like Toney comes in.
Kadarius Toney made much of his day (five catches, 69 yards) after the catch with silly moves in space to leave defenders grasping at air. His flexibility and change of direction skills give him the ability to develop into a strong route runner at the next level. Against soft press in the slot, Toney showed how quick he can get into his stem. That explosion and short area burst will certainly play.
After a tough start adjusting to the NFL in camp and preseason, it seems that Kadarius Toney is finding a bit of rhythm in the Giants offense, which is excellent to see. He could usurp the slot receiver role sooner than later, and many will be watching to see if he can develop the skills and traits he has to become a multi-faceted threat in the passing game.