NY Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney had a rookie season full of ups and downs. His year two could be drastically different as he could be headed towards big things next season. After a rookie year that saw Toney somewhat underutilized and never fully be able to stay healthy, Toney still did things regularly that showed just how good he could be.
Toney was able to replicate many of the things that made him so productive in college and do them in the NFL. At times, he looked unstoppable with the ball in his hands. The University of Florida alum finished his rookie season with a stat line that left much to be desired.
He recorded 39 receptions and 420 receiving yards. He also had just four drops on 53 targets and averaged nearly 11 yards per reception. He also occasionally did things like this.
https://twitter.com/PFF/status/1447323269858738176?s=20&t=DWxtUqjHE6VDXgDW5wnHFQ
Toney has the potential for a big play whenever he steps on the field. If utilized correctly, his 2022 could be drastically different than how his 2021 went. Here’s why Toney could break out for the Giants in 2022.
Kadarius Toney is finally healthy on the NY Giants
Toney was plagued with injury throughout his rookie year, Whether due to injury or things involving Covid-19, Toney was forced to miss seven games. When on the field, he was rarely playing at 100%.
The injuries for Toney caused him to never gain a rhythm when playing. As he would start to heat up, he would encounter something that would set him back. Each of his absences came at different points in the year and would typically keep him out for weeks at a time.
Given that Toney is playing at 100%, he could be the most dangerous player on the field.
Toney will be properly utilized on the NY Giants
Playing on the 2021 Giants offense meant that there was a good chance you were not properly utilized. Nearly every player across the board saw regression and experienced career lows. The same thing applies to Toney.
Through the first two games of the season, Toney was on the field for just 16 total passing plays. As time progressed, he was gradually used more but it was an interesting decision to utilize him that way in the beginning. It isn’t difficult to envision Brian Daboll utilizing Toney similarly to how he deployed Stefon Diggs, during his time as the Buffalo Bills’ offensive coordinator.
In the games where Toney was on the field and actively involved in the offense, he played great. His most notable stretch of games was during weeks four and five. In these two games, he was targeted 20 times and had 16 receptions. He racked up 267 receiving yards, which was more than half of his season total.
Learning a brand new offense on the NY Giants
Much like the rest of the Giants team, on both offense and defense, many players will benefit from being in new systems. New York going out and hiring head coach Brian Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka could allow for this team to reach new levels. It could also give Toney a chance to unlock his potential.
Kafka played a large role in the success of the Kansas City Chiefs‘ offense. The same offense that until recently had one of the most explosive receivers in football in Tyreek Hill. Much like how the Chiefs utilized Kafka, the Giants could do with Toney.
The two receivers have similarities across the board and are two of the most explosive receiving options in the game once they touch the ball. If Toney can come even close to what Hill was able to achieve, the Giants could have a star on their offense.
Daboll helped create one of the most electric offenses in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills. His success in that offense could be replicated in New York. He helped wide receiver Stefon Diggs become even greater once he arrived in Buffalo, regularly trying to utilize him as much as he could. Whether it be through specific packages, or just by getting the ball into his hands, Toney could reach new levels in 2022 if given the right opportunities.