Kadarius Toney trade already paying dividends | KCSN Daily 11.14
Plus Week 11 stat preview, KCSN podcasts, transactions, quotes and more Chiefs news.
Welcome back to a brand new week of KCSN Daily, where we deliver the best Kansas City Chiefs content to your inbox.
It has taken just two weeks, but the Chiefs’ acquisition of WR Kadarius Toney from the New York Giants already appears to be paying off. Entering Week 10, the team found themselves down a starter in WR Mecole Hardman due to an abdomen injury. When JuJu Smith-Schuster left the game with a concussion, the team needed a player to step up and make plays in key moments.
After Smith-Schuster left the game, Toney would go on to have two chain-moving catches on drives that would ultimately lead to touchdowns for Kansas City.
“Yeah, I mean first off, he’s a smart guy. He’s learned a lot fast,” Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes said of Toney. “We’ve been able to put him in positions – especially a lot more this week - but he’s a smart guy, (he) plays hard and whenever he’s got his opportunities, he’s made plays happen.”
On each of his catches in Week 10, you continued to see the same flashes that evaluators saw when he was coming out of the University of Florida in 2021. His elusiveness with the ball in his hands, for instance. That was on full display this week, forcing three missed tackles from Jaguars defenders.
“KT (Kadarius Toney) is a special talent, obviously that’s why he went first round. He was able to come in and learn quickly,” Chiefs WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling said after the game. “We put him in some positions to get him the ball and find out how he can help this team – he’s super dynamic. Obviously, the mental part of this offense – coming into this offense is never easy. So, being able to come in and learn as much as he’s learned and be able to go out there and play fast is important. I think he’s going to be a huge asset to this team as we make our run.”
Week after week, Toney will continue to grow within the offense.
“We’re trying to give him some things that he’s done before and then adding one or two things the last couple of weeks that he’s not used to doing so that he can continue to grow,” Chiefs HC Andy Reid explained. “And then, the quarterback has trust in him because of the feel he has (for the offense).”
If the Chiefs need Toney to play a bigger role in Week 11, with Hardman and Smith-Schuster’s status currently in question, there should be no hesitation from the coaching staff to do so. What he’s shown so far is that he’s capable of showing up when the team is in need.
KCSN Live Postgame Show:
KCSN’s BJ Kissel, Kent Swanson, and more go live from the Kingdom Bar and Grille in Overland Park, Kansas following the Kansas City Chiefs game against the Jacksonville Jaguars to break it all down.
Stats to know ahead of Week 11 vs. Chargers:
Series history: Since moving from San Diego to Los Angeles, the Chiefs have an 8-3 record against the Chargers. With Justin Herbert has been starting quarterback, Kansas City has just a 3-2 record against Los Angeles, with the Chiefs’ most recent win coming in Week 2 on “Thursday Night Football” this season.
A weakness to exploit: Running the ball hasn’t been the Chiefs’ forte, but it might have to be in Week 11. The Chargers have allowed a league-high 5.4 yards per carry, 1,321 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns so far this season. Whether it’s Isiah Pacheco, Jerick McKinnon or Clyde Edwards-Helaire, there will be opportunities to run the ball in L.A. on Sunday night.
Pass rush key for Kansas City: The Chargers’ offensive line has allowed an NFL-low of just 13 sacks on the season. Last week against the Jaguars, the Chiefs recorded five sacks against a unit allowing the second-fewest sacks in the NFL. When these two teams matched up in Week 2, Chris Jones had two sacks against Justin Herbert in critical moments of the game.
Transactions:
11/14 - Suspension lifted by commissioner - DE Frank Clark (Read more here)
11/14 - Suspension lifted by commissioner - WR/RB Jerrion Ealy (Read more here)
10 Things:
KCSN’s BJ Kissel gives his 10 things that stood out from the Kansas City Chiefs' 27-17 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
Quotable:
“Yeah, and they’re getting better every week. That’s the part I like the most – they’re working hard, they’ve bought in. I like the veterans and how they’ve kind of helped these guys along – even though it might take a little playing time away from them. But they’ve been very gracious with that and that’s a neat thing to have on a team.” - Chiefs HC Andy Reid on the defensive performance in Week 10
“Yeah that was cool, man. It’s been a minute. It’s been a minute and we were able to draw something up for me and get me one. JuJu (Smith-Schuster) did a great job of attracting his corner now and J Wat (Justin Watson) clearing it out – It kind of left me one on one to find a spot on the other side of the field and Pat (Mahomes) gave me a nice, easy one.” - Chiefs WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling on his first touchdown with the team
Quick hits:
From NFL Next Gen Stats: A wild stat on Kadarius Toney’s first career NFL touchdown. According to NFL NGS, Toney’s 20.4 yards of separation is the most on a touchdown pass since 2016 when they began tracking the stat.
From Binky Bezos: Chiefs DT Khalen Saunders has a patent pending, changing his “run nation” to “stuff nation.” Alongside Chris Jones’ “sack nation” they’ll continue their quest for world domination.
From the Mama Smith-Schuster: An update from JuJu’s mom after the receiver was concussed during the Week 10 win over the Jaguars.
Important dates ahead:
Sunday, Nov. 20 at 7:20 p.m. CT - Week 11: Chiefs vs. Chargers - SoFi Stadium - Inglewood, CA
You make a lifetime of difference for a child or teen.
Boys & Girls Clubs is looking for dedicated men and women to invest in the lives of youth through coaching. Did you know by participating in sports, children learn the value of teamwork, responsibility, good sportsmanship, and self-esteem? By becoming a volunteer coach, you are helping to power the dreams—and successful futures—of Kansas City’s kids! The Clubs are currently seeking baseball coaches. Click here to sign up today! All equipment will be provided. No prior coaching experience is needed.