Patriots second-year receiver has had underwhelming performance in camp
As the season begins and "real football" starts with the players putting pads on, one notable player has struggled to get going. Over the first seven days of camp, wide receiver Tyquan Thornton has yet to catch a pass from starting QB Mac Jones. Unfortunately, the situation didn't improve today, as Thornton's participation was limited […]
As the season begins and "real football" starts with the players putting pads on, one notable player has struggled to get going.
Over the first seven days of camp, wide receiver Tyquan Thornton has yet to catch a pass from starting QB Mac Jones. Unfortunately, the situation didn't improve today, as Thornton's participation was limited for reasons unknown. He was spotted on the conditioning field, separate from the team drills. The beginning of the season has posed challenges for Thornton, who also faced limitations throughout the spring mini-camp due to a soft tissue injury. While it's possible that his struggles might be connected to a lingering issue, this remains speculative.
Thornton plays a pivotal role in the team's success, serving as an integral part of a receiving unit lacking high-end athletes. It's crucial for the team's success for him to progress and become a reliable player at the very least. He hasn't had the most favorable circumstances, as his rookie season was also marred by an injury. In week two of the preseason, he suffered a broken collarbone, causing him to miss the first four games of the season.
Thornton's role within the team is to serve as a dynamic deep threat, something that the Patriots haven't had in years. Yet, throughout the 2022 season, he struggled in solidifying his identity as a formidable downfield asset. Across his rookie season, he amassed a total of 247 receiving yards and notched two touchdowns in 13 games. Worth noting is his lack of deep production: he did not record a single reception of 30 or more yards in 2022.
While it's premature for alarm bells to sound, given the early stage of the season(and his career), any lack of production in practices, particularly with the offensive restructure, raises concerns. This is especially pertinent considering Thornton's previous challenges in finding his footing as a rookie.
Featured image via Jamie Germano/USA Today Network
