With a goal of getting back to prominence, the New York Giants have retooled their roster during these past few months. As we inch closer to training camp, players young and old will compete for starting jobs all summer long. But, there’s one player who’s looking to make a major comeback.
No, I’m not talking about Sterling Shepard. Although, seeing him stay healthy and remain a reliable target for quarterback Daniel Jones would be a nice sight to see.
I’m talking about Kadarius Toney, and he’s the one player to watch heading into the 2022-23 season.
Yung Joka Is Coming for Your Secondary
Looking at Toney’s stats last season, opposing defenses seem to be licking their chops when they face him and the Giants. After all, 39 catches for 420 yards isn’t screaming “dangerous”.
But, here’s the thing. The former Florida product only played ten games during his rookie year before multiple injuries forced him to miss time. When he was on the field though, it was a sight to see.
It’s the instincts after the catch for me.
— Dave Kluge (@DaveKluge) June 2, 2022
Kadarius Toney is a special player. pic.twitter.com/KiM55SfI9A
Just get the ball in Kadarius Toney’s hands and let him go to work. pic.twitter.com/tFCHMGeAd4
— Nick Penticoff (@NickPenticoff) June 29, 2022
A common theme we see from the two clips above is that Toney has an uncanny ability to make defenders miss with ease. For a team that needed someone to produce on offense, he looked the part when he was on the field.
Also, he is only one of nine players to have 180+ yards in a game as a rookie. It may not mean much, but there is optimism that Toney will be a dangerous weapon for years to come.
The New York Giants’ Offense Is Different
Don’t believe me? Take it from the man himself.
Kadarius Toney on the new offense ?
— Alex Wilson (@AlexWilsonESM) June 28, 2022
“[The offense is] kind of like Florida in the way you have leeway in route-running and stuff like that,” Toney said. “You’re able to just win. You don’t have to run the pen-and-paper version of your route every time.”
Finally, fresh air has been brought upon Big Blue. No more boring routes or 1900s playcalling. Gone are the days of former Cowboys’ coaches calling plays. Brian Daboll and Mike Kafka are here to revolutionize this offense, and Toney is going to be a big part of it.
Yes, the Giants drafted a multi-use weapon in Wan’Dale Robinson during this year’s draft. This led many to question if the team would trade Kadarius since he was part of the past regime plus the team was already stocked with receivers.
But, we all know that you can never have too many weapons. Isn’t that right, Joe Schoen?
Joe Schoen noted Wan’Dale Robinson’s skillset is similar to Kadarius Toney. Doesn’t view as problem. In fact, views as bonus.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) April 30, 2022
Does it mean anything about Toney’s future? No. Schoen’s says “not shopping” him.
Coach Brian Daboll adds KT “had a good week. … Good to see him.”
Robinson and Toney? Opposing corners or safeties are going to hand their hands full. Don’t forget about Kenny Golladay and Shepard if they can stay healthy. This may be the team’s best-receiving core in recent history.
After years of mediocre, the New York Giants want to change the narrative about them. Years of losing have haunted the organization for quite a while. This upcoming season is going to be different, and Kadarius Toney is going to be a big part of this change.
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