It was only weeks ago that the Kansas City Chiefs were facing a difficult roster decision with Tyquan Thornton. The veteran wide receiver made an incredible push for one of the final roster spots at the position and benefited from an injury to rookie Jalen Royals and star wideout Rashee Rice accepting a suspension at the start of the season.
Thornton has seized the opportunity and ended Week 3's win over the New York Giants as the star target, hauling in five catches for 71 yards and a touchdown in the 22-9 win. It was the type of performance that gave fans hope this offense will find a way to survive without Rice.
We are still weeks away from Rice's return to the lineup, and important matchups loom before the Chiefs will have their full group of weapons. Fortunately, quarterback Patrick Mahomes' growing chemistry with Thornton will help make the wait more palatable.
Chiefs WR Tyquan Thornton Quickly Giving Fans Hope KC Can Survive Without Rice
In the fourth quarter, Mahomes dropped back and threw what appeared to be the game-sealing touchdown to Thornton. Only the play was quickly wiped away with the ball touching the ground while being pinned to Thornton's shoulder. Still, the former NFL MVP had complete confidence with Thornton again going deep, and this time making an incredibly difficult catch (h/t @SNFonNBC) in what was nearly the exact same spot.
It was a deeper moment than simply connecting on a deep ball or putting the Week 3 game away. It was a clear message of trust from Mahomes that he believed in Thornton to make plays down the field when it mattered most. While the two are still working to get on the same page, the budding chemistry is obvious, leaving room for Chiefs fans to be hopeful that the next weeks of the season without Rice won't be as dark as first suspected.
Thornton now has two TDs and 171 yards on nine catches in three games. These are the type of numbers an extremely reliable second option should be putting up. The fact that it is coming from a player who was expected to be little more than a depth piece and an obvious afterthought in the offense is an incredible story.
The Chiefs must capitalize on their momentum as they turn their attention to an incredibly difficult matchup with the Baltimore Ravens. Thornton establishing himself as a threat gives the Chiefs a far better chance of beating the wishful rival without the benefit of their two best receivers.
What makes Thornton so important is what he opens up for the rest of the KC offense. In the first two weeks of the season, the opposing defense was attacking the line of scrimmage, not allowing receivers to just sit down in open space while having zero fear of being beaten over the top.
That lack of fear is now gone with Thornton making deep catches in back-to-back games and showing improved chemistry with Mahomes. It puts a seed of doubt in the mind of the defense and makes it easier for Travis Kelce, Hollywood Brown, and JuJu Smith-Schuster to work underneath and keep the chains moving.
No question, the emergence of Thornton is exciting for Chiefs fans, leaving incredible potential for what this offense might look like when Xavier Worthy and Rice return.