By Jeff Moeller, The New York Extra/thenyextra.com
It’s a mid-September game, and the Giants’ Kadarius Toney had a near -mirror day, rushing for 26 yards, receiving five balls for 107 yards and a touchdown, and rolling up 98 return yards. (The schedule has been released yet at this writing)
A few hours later at a 4 p.m. kickoff, the Jets’ Elijah Moore had a near-mirror day, rushing for 34 yards, catching four balls for 92 yards and a touchdown, and also accumulating 96 yards of return yardage. (The schedule has been released yet at this writing)
It’s likely to be a reality for two teams that can draw several parallels. One that can shape the seasons of both teams.
Giants’ GM Dave Gettleman pegged the former Florida Gator Toney as the playmaker he was seeking after Jaylen Waddle and DeVonta Smith were off the board. He shocked the football world Thursday when he traded down with Chicago to come away with the Bears’ No. 1 pick last season and chose the lower-profile Toney, who has initially bristled Giants’ fans.
Don’t worry Giants’ fans. Toney provides another dynamic dimension for an offense that is being transformed into a juggernaut.
It also is a move that can take the pressure off Saquin Barkley returning from his knee injury with a stable of receivers for rising quarterback Daniel Jones.
Kenny Golladay was brought on board as a big target and playmaker, but Toney brings the playmaking speed factor that has been missing from the lineup.
If Gettleman solidifies the offensive line, last year’s late-season divisional run will occur earlier this season.
Down the hallway in the ground level of MetLife Stadium, the Jets’ locker room has a similar scenario.
GM Joe Douglas added Ole’ Miss standout Moorie as the multi-faceted, explosive wide receiver and return specialist the Jets also haven’t had on a consistent basis. He’ll likely be in the slot.
He’ll join a newly crowded receiver corral that was enhanced for the anticipation of future franchise quarterback Zack Wilson with veterans Keenan Cole and Corey Davis and incumbents Jamison Crowder and Denzel Mims.
Crowder — Sam Darnold’s favorite target and the current slot receiver — is due $10 million this year in the final year of a three-year contract, cloud be a casualty here with the depth. The Jets also want to see Mims develop further this season and envision him as their All-Pro candidate.
Wilson will be the poster boy for the Jets, and Jones and Barkley will be in the spotlight for the Giants this fall.
Yet, Toney and Moore can be two players who can fill a major void.
