Patriots rookie second-round pick Tyquan Thornton has had a relatively quiet season, despite coming into the year as the fastest receiver in New England’s corps. While many suspected he would finally add an explosive deep ball element to the Patriots’ passing game, he has been largely held in check.
While the offensive playcalling of Matt Patricia has likely played a large role in hindering Thornton’s first year progress, he has not made the most of his own opportunities either. In last week’s game against the Bengals, he dropped the ball on a deep pass early in the second half that would have likely resulted in a touchdown and sparked New England’s comeback sooner had it been caught.
However, on Sunday Patricia finally decided to give the rookie his share of playing time, and Thornton did not disappoint. The Baylor product was targeted seven times, catching three of them for 60 yards, with one reception being this quick out route midway through the first quarter.
Tyquan Thornton with an opening possession TD!!
pic.twitter.com/UGLovfCLEc— Boston Sports Gordo (@BOSSportsGordo) January 1, 2023
While Thornton’s three receptions may not seem like much, it was really his four uncaught targets that told the larger story. New England was consistently sending Thornton on hot routes down the sideline all game long, trying to use his game-breaking speed to stretch the field.
While Jones and Thornton were never able to connect on these deep balls, the repeated attempts at them show a positive development in this offense in that it is finally utilizing the skillset of their speedster.
On the flip side of Thornton’s performance was that of fellow receiver Kendrick Bourne. Bourne has been notably absent from New England’s offense this season but has shown an ability to make a significant positive contribution to the team when on the field.
Bourne finally got his breakout performance of the season last weekend against the Bengals, during which he recorded 100 receiving yards and a touchdown on six receptions. However, he was barely a factor on offense on Sunday, as noted by ESPN’s Mike Reiss at the start of the second half.
WR Kendrick Bourne, who played 11 snaps in the first half, is in the huddle to start this drive.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) January 1, 2023
Bourne only recorded one reception on two targets, but that reception was a screen pass that went for 16 yards. Bourne’s explosive ability is the kind that this New England…
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