The New York Giants and their legions of fans found themselves in a precarious position on Sunday night.
They were forced to decide on who to root for in the AFC Championship Game: Eli Apple and the Cincinnati Bengals or Kadarius Toney and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Apple, of course, has been very public about his disdain for Giants fans. His career in New York quickly faltered after being selected 10th overall in 2016. He fell out of favor with his teammates and coaches and was shipped out of East Rutherford after less than two seasons.
Similarly, Toney drew the ire of Giants fans for his inability to stay on the field. His strange antics also rubbed some the wrong way and like Apple, Toney’s stay in East Rutherford was short-lived. The 20th overall pick in 2021 was sent to Kansas City earlier this season.
Ultimately, Giants fans got the last laugh on Sunday night as both Toney and Apple remained true to form.
Kadarius Toney
Midway through the first quarter on Sunday night, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes put one up for Toney in the endzone.
Although Toney did a good job high-pointing the ball, he wasn’t able to secure it through contact with the ground. The drop ultimately cost Kansas City four points as they were forced to settle for a field goal.
Pain for Kadarius Toney first TD (+1800) bettors 😭pic.twitter.com/zOrriNPUj6
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) January 29, 2023
Toney would haul in his next target — a nine-yard gain — but that would be it for him on the night. Although it wasn’t his hamstring, KT was forced to leave the game after suffering an ankle injury on the play. He would not return.
Kadarius Toney —
Listed with an ankle injury. Hard to tell from this angle if he rolled it when he plants, but that would be the assumption. Otherwise, if it’s “Foot” versus ankle then some concern for midfoot sprain or fracture.
Probably gets imaging to figure it out. pic.twitter.com/nB3i4cjN1g— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) January 30, 2023
And that’s what you get with Kadarius Toney. There are flashes but just as much inconsistency, while his inability to stay on the field is infuriating.
Eli Apple
Things were much worse for Apple on the night.
After a week of trash talk aimed at the Buffalo Bills, Stefon Diggs, and even Damar Hamlin, Apple laid a big old fat egg on Sunday.
Not only did he fail to secure what could have been a potentially game-changing interception (it would have been a tough play), he committed a holding penalty late in the game that negated a sack for B.J. Hill, another former Giant.
On 3rd & 9, holding on Eli Apple negates the sack of Patrick Mahomes by BJ Hill#Bengals 20 #Chiefs 20 4ᴛʜ pic.twitter.com/bs8p541UDN
— Sᴘᴏʀᴛs 24/7 (@Sports_24x7_) January 30, 2023
But the hold wasn’t Apple’s only issue on the night. He was lost in coverage and was routinely eaten up by Chiefs receivers, particularly Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who drew the hold and caught six passes for 116 yards and one touchdown.
After the game, Annie Apple, Eli’s mother, quickly deactivated her Twitter account. The trolling was on from there.
Eli Apple’s mother has deleted her Twitter. Tough day. pic.twitter.com/QkiMJ16bWP
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) January 30, 2023
@EliApple this you bro? Enjoy Cancun pic.twitter.com/lZQ6AMvBdd
— Garth Timber (@GarthTimber_) January 30, 2023
Stefon Diggs waiting for Eli Apple in Cancun
pic.twitter.com/7xaYRgp8m0— Miami Mike (@Tuadeep2tyreek) January 30, 2023
Cancun on 3✌🏼
— Brittany Mahomes (@BrittanyLynne) January 30, 2023
Eli Apple got cooked so bad his momma deleted her account pic.twitter.com/m9bz1KYYHY
— The Chosen Won🐍🏁 (@A2K4Life) January 30, 2023
Live look at Bills fans in Eli Apple’s mentions rn pic.twitter.com/0SeEeeD5Fo
— Adam Gorski (@AdamGorski_) January 30, 2023
All NFL fans coming together to slander Eli Apple tonight 😂😂
— WhiskeyHndrxx (@dinerodavis45) January 30, 2023
Yea go ahead and log off bro.. it’s finna get real ugly for y’all.. @MikeHilton_28 @EliApple
Also Let Joe Cool and Jamar know we got extra cigars over here too if they wanted one.. pic.twitter.com/EM37IltBnt
— Sir Binky Moss (@khalenNOTkaylen) January 30, 2023
Eli Apple running to the locker room to tell his mom to delete her Twitter pic.twitter.com/WiahxJjvyE
— Kyle Nap (@KyleNaps) January 30, 2023
Eli Apple checking his phone pic.twitter.com/hjiJWRm8wq
— Jacob C.K. (@JC_Keimer) January 30, 2023
