Tyquan Thornton has key skill that proves deadly for Patriots' opponents

Tyquan Thornton's first two years in the National Football League have been anything but easy. 

Having started his rookie season on injured reserve, Thornton was itching to play a full season with the Patriots. But that didn't happen as he started the 2023 season on injured reserve once again. 

And so last Sunday, when Thornton was finally able to take the field with the team again and play, there was no better feeling. 

“It felt amazing to be back out there with the team and not just watching them," Thornton told A to Z Sports. "So being out there and battle and fight with them, it feels good to me. Just to be out there… doing what I can do to help the team.”

The offense has struggled to start the season and Thornton was ready to get back and help the team in any way he could. 

“I wanted to be out there with them, competing with them. So I definitely was feeling some type of way about that," Thornton said. "Just try to control what I can control and just continuing to work. Put my head down and work. And now that I’m here, doing the same thing, just working.”

Thornton finished his rookie season with 22 receptions for 247 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns, along with three carries for 16 yards and one rushing touchdown. 

And through it all, there has been one main thing that has stood out about the young receiver's play style: his speed. 

“I’ve always been a speedster," Thornton said. "I’m always just was born, blessed with the speed, so now it’s just all about using my speed at my best ability and running routes fast and playing fast each and every play. Basically threatening DBs.”

As for Sunday's matchup against the Buffalo Bills, Thornton is ready to go.

“Yes, I’m very excited.”