Who is Tyquan Thornton? Chiefs WR has blistering first quarter vs. Jaguars

Adam Schultz

Who is Tyquan Thornton? Chiefs WR has blistering first quarter vs. Jaguars image

© Vincent Carchietta

The Kansas City Chiefs' offense has started to look like its normal self, and a big reason has been the play of receiver Tyquan Thornton.

Not a household name, but Thornton will be soon enough as his first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday Night Football showcased exactly why he is so crucial to the Chiefs' hopes going forward.

Thornton hauled in two catches for 56 yards as he has become Kansas City's deep ball specialist, not Xavier Worthy.

A 24-yard reception on the Chiefs' first drive and then a 32-yard reception on the Chiefs' second drive, as Thornton had to come back to an underthrown ball by Patrick Mahomes, will now surely make the Jaguars defense rethink how they play No. 80.

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Thornton becoming key Chiefs weapon

Thornton's 56 yards in the first quarter only added to the superb season he's been having as a Chief.

Having three touchdowns and three games of 40+ receiving yards (now make it four), Thornton is becoming a crucial deep weapon for Mahomes. Much was made of the Chiefs wanting to get their deep ball back in the offseason, and it appears Thornton is helping bring that weapon back to life for Mahomes.

With his 56 yards in the first quarter, it takes his season total to 238 yards, which is just nine shy of his career-best, and he's not even completed five games yet.

Therefore, the threat that Thornton poses will keep defenses on edge.

You think Worthy is a nightmare to defend deep? How about now with Thornton showing up, too?

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Adam Schultz

Adam Schultz is a freelance writer at The Sporting News. An Australian journalist with years of experience covering the Dallas Cowboys and the NFL, Adam has interviewed several high-profile athletes in Australia for various sites and brings a unique view on the NFL.