Patriots Gameday: Tyquan Thornton blazing onto the NFL scene
New England Patriots 2022 second-round pick Tyquan Thornton has only played in two games this season, but he is already showing flashes of being a very special weapon in the Patriots’ offense.
By flash, we do mean flash. At 6-foot-2 and 183-pounds, the rookie wide receiver is lightning fast and showed off that blazing speed by scoring a pair of touchdowns in the Week 6 victory over the Cleveland Browns.
On his first touchdown he displayed his quickness by getting open in the end zone. On the second touchdown, Thornton turned on his lightning speed on an end-around play in which he blazed around and by Browns’ defenders.
Has the New England Patriots finally got it right in selecting Tyquan Thornton?
As it takes more than talent and speed to etch a role in the New England Patriots offense, fellow teammate Jakobi Meyers is impressed, but not surprised by how Thornton has caught on to the offense during his rookie season.
"“I’m not surprised. Definitely impressed, but not surprised,” Meyers said on a Twitch Stream, via MassLive.com. “He loves being around. He loves the guys. He loves the game. It was just a matter of time. As soon as he got healthy, we knew he’s step out there and make plays.“Just too much talent, honestly. He’s a great player in my opinion. I think he’ll be in this game a long time.”"
Dare we say Bill Belichick has drafted an impact wide receiver in the higher rounds of the draft? It’s been just two games, but Thornton has already shown more promise in the New England Patriots offense than 2018 first-round pick N’Keal Harry showed in three seasons.
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Two players with different skillsets, obviously, but it is the work ethic, natural fit in the offense and of course the speed that makes Thornton different. While he hasn’t taken the top off the defense (yet), the speed makes him a dangerous weapon in more ways than one. Again, he showcased that with his Week 6 performance.
"“To be that fast and stop that quick, man, that’s tough,” Meyers continued. “A lot of guys couldn’t do that, to be able to just stop on a dime, but at the same time get up to 4.2. Like I said, it’s definitely impressive, but just seeing how he is around the game and how much he loves it, I’m not surprised at all.”"
Hopefully, Patriots fans will get to see more of what Thornton can do on Monday night against the Chicago Bears. With Kendrick Bourne already ruled out, the New England Patriots rookie should get more of an opportunity whether it is Mac Jones or Bailey Zappe under center.
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In all, it will be interesting in which ways Thornton flows within the offense. If they continue to ease him in, it will be a matter of time before they fully unleash his talents. It’s something to look forward to on Monday night.
It’s Gameday.