Kansas City Chiefs fans have high hopes for third-year wide receiver Kadarius Toney as he enters his second year with the team. Unfortunately, his 2023 campaign got off to a rough start in the team’s season opener against the Detroit Lions, highlighted by a brutal drop that was a huge turning point in the game.
Toney came to the Chiefs midway through the season last year after his relationship with the New York Giants organization soured.
Some big expectations were put on him upon joining the Chiefs. And thus far, he hasn’t been quite as impressive as some had hoped.
A big mistake in Thursday’s game certainly won’t quiet his critics, as a costly drop from him led to a Lions interception that rookie defensive back Brian Branch returned to the house for a touchdown.
LIONS ROOKIE BRIAN BRANCH WITH A PICK-SIX!
It's 14-14 in Kansas City. pic.twitter.com/qoUBqxjvrj
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) September 8, 2023
It was a great pass from Patrick Mahomes that hit Toney in the hands, and he just couldn’t catch it… Fans took to social media and ripped Toney for the brutal drop.
Kadarius Toney fantasy managers tonight pic.twitter.com/cfsBM5DSc7
— DraftKings (@DraftKings) September 8, 2023
KADARIUS TONEY SUCKS LMFAOOO
— evin (@KayvonOjulari) September 8, 2023
Kadarius Toney at the Chief's facility tomorrow pic.twitter.com/Th9cqhnxNj
— ItsASaintsThing (@ItsASaintsThing) September 8, 2023
Giants fans watching Kadarius Toney: pic.twitter.com/KYDGNZXbFV
— FanDuel Sportsbook (@FDSportsbook) September 8, 2023
Maybe Kadarius Toney should focus a little more on catching the football as opposed to DM’ing Giants fans to argue with them.
pic.twitter.com/GVImHU31mO— Doug Rush (@TheDougRush) September 8, 2023
Unfortunately, this was just the start of his rough night. He also failed to pull in a pass from Mahomes in the third quarter that would have resulted in a first down and extended one of their drives. They instead had to settle for a field goal on the drive.
It has not been a great night so far for Kadarius Toney. pic.twitter.com/wmXdAI1q0c
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) September 8, 2023
There is obviously plenty of time for Toney to turn things around this year as it just started. But he certainly hasn’t inspired much confidence in their season opener.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.