This under-the-radar Chiefs player could crush Eagles in Week 2

The Kansas City Chiefs’ offense is never short on star power.

Between Patrick Mahomes orchestrating at quarterback and a deep stable of playmakers around him, defensive coordinators typically have their hands full. Yet as the Chiefs prepare to take on the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2, one name that could sneak his way into the headlines is Tyquan Thornton, a pass-catcher many might overlook but who brings a skill set that could be tailor-made for a matchup where points could come in handfuls.

A second-round pick with New England in 2022, Thornton flashed moments of potential in Foxborough, but consistency and offensive fit were constant issues.

Injuries and a struggling offensive environment limited him, and he never truly carved out a long-term role. His move to Kansas City provided a reset, one where his pure speed and ability to stress defenses vertically could finally be unlocked.

Tyquan Thornton could assert himself in Kansas City's game plan early on Sunday

When you peel back the layers of the Eagles’ defense, there’s reason to believe Thornton’s chances of increasing his target total (four in Week 1) are real. Philadelphia’s secondary allowed explosive plays in Week 1, and the skill set away from Quinyon Mitchell is vulnerable against receivers with top-end speed.

While the Chiefs have established targets who command defensive attention, Thornton offers something different: the ability to take the top off a defense with world-class speed while creating space underneath for others.

This is where Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes thrive. Reid has a long track record of maximizing overlooked or underutilized weapons, putting them in positions to succeed by tailoring concepts to their strengths. Thornton doesn’t need 10 targets to be impactful. Instead, he needs just a few designed shots, or even just one—whether it’s a deep post, a go-route against single coverage, or even a quick screen where his acceleration can turn short gains into chunk plays.

Perhaps most importantly, Thornton finds himself in a positive ecosystem for the first time in his professional career. Mahomes’ trust in his receivers is built through timing and reliability, and early signs suggest Thornton is quickly earning that confidence. Surrounded by smart play design, a balanced supporting cast, and the league’s most dynamic quarterback, the conditions are finally right for his skill set to shine.

The Chiefs don’t need Thornton to become their No. 1 target. But against an Eagles defense that will be keying on Hollywood Brown and Travis Kelce, Thornton’s speed could be the X-factor.

Anyone who has watched Mahomes since he took over for Alex Smith years ago knows that all it takes is one connection between No. 15 and a receiver with some juice to change the trajectory of a game, and Thornton fits the script.