New Giants offensive coordinator Matt Nagy keeps it “AAF,” said Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton.
Aggressive as… Well, aggressive enough for Thornton to go off for five catches, 71 yards and a touchdown in Kansas City’s 22-9 prime time win over the Giants in Week 3 of last season at MetLife Stadium.
“I’m just going to say: ‘AAF.’ Matt Nagy knows what I’m talking about. AAF,” Thornton, 25, said with a smile on the Talkin’ Ball with Pat Leonard podcast on Super Bowl radio row. “He’s very aggressive. I love his mindset and what he brings to the table. I’m excited to see what he brings to New York. I love him.”
Chiefs free agent receiver Tyquan Thornton says new Giants offensive coordinator Matt Nagy has an aggressive “AAF” mindset that he loves as an explosive playmaker. (Credit: Disruptive Sports)
Nagy, a former Chicago Bears, is stepping out of Chiefs future Hall of Fame coach Andy Reid’s shadow to run Jaxson Dart’s Giants offense under new coach John Harbaugh. Thornton, who led the NFL with a wild 23.1 yards per catch average last season, can vouch as he enters free agency that Nagy’s passing scheme unlocks explosive plays.
“I don’t see nobody stopping me in that scheme, if I’m being honest, as humble as I am,” Thornton said. “That scheme is everything. And with the skill set that I have, I’m able to go out there and really show what I can do within that scheme.”
What is it about the Chiefs’ scheme that is such a great fit for speed receivers?
“We got a lot of eye candy for you,” he said. “Because we got a lot of players that can make plays on that offense. You got Xavier Worthy, Rashee Rice, Hollywood [Brown]. You got all these players you gotta worry about. And if you were to worry about them more than you worry about Tyquan Thornton, then you’re burnt.
“Because Tyquan Thornton is dangerous,” he added. “Tyquan Thornton is very hungry for success. I got nothing but a cut up onion in the fridge, and I’m ready to go out there and eat, for real.”
Thornton exudes this confidence because he saw hard work pay off in a career year with the Chiefs after spending his first three NFL seasons in New England.
He made 19 catches for 438 yards and three touchdowns last season in a crowded receiving room, relishing the opportunity to play with Patrick Mahomes.
“Pat [is] the G.O.A.T.,” Thornton said. “I ain’t never played with LeBron James, but it’s got to be something like that.”
Thornton also returned 18 kickoffs for 475 yards for the Chiefs, including one game with four returns for 126 yards and another with five returns for 107 yards.
Seahawks receiver and returner Rashid Shaheed, acquired at the trade deadline from the New Orleans Saints, just demonstrated during Seattle’s Super Bowl run what kind of jumpstart a speedster with return ability can bring to a team.
The Giants’ receiver room is going to need some reinforcements this offseason.
Malik Nabers, who is recovering from a torn ACL and meniscus, likely is not going to be ready to start the regular season. And he may not be truly full strength until 2027.
Veteran Darius Slayton is back, and otherwise the names of Dart’s primary targets at receiver are unclear. Wan’Dale Robinson is a free agent.
Thornton was placed on injured reserve late last season with a concussion but cleared the protocol the following week. He is clearly warm to the idea of MetLife Stadium being his future home, if that’s in the cards.
“It was a great experience to play in New York,” he said. “I remember Coach Reid telling us there’s nothing better to do but in New York on a [Sunday] night. And I remember just going out there and trying to be electric and go out there and light the stadium up. What a great stadium in New York. Love the atmosphere.”
It doesn’t hurt that Nagy is the offensive coordinator here, either.
“It was a great opportunity to work with him,” Thornton said. “He allowed me to go out there, do what I do, let my light shine and make plays. He always instilled that confidence. He’s very intentional and hands on with the quarterbacks.
“I love what he did for us,” he continued. “I feel like he’s gonna do great in New York. He’s got an offensive scheme of mind. It was a good [fresh] start for him to be in New York. And I feel like he’s gonna do great there.”
He’ll keep it “AAF,” at least. Thornton will make sure of it if he ends up in the Big Apple.