Will Patriots red zone problems be fixed by WR Tyquan Thnton? – New England Patriots Blog

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots NFL:

1. Thornton in the “red” zone The Patriots’ offense has had a red zone problem, but with two dynamic plays in just his second NFL game, rookie receiver Tyquan Thornton He showed that he is a crucial part of the solution.

Thornton’s work inside the 20 has been a revelation to those who viewed him as more of a straight-line speedster coming out of Baylor, after he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.28 at the NFL combine.

“To be that fast and stop that quick, man, that’s tough,” fellow receiver Jakobi Meyers said. “A lot of guys couldn’t do that, to be able to stop on a dime and at the same time get up to 4.2.”

Thornton’s 2-yard touchdown catch last Sunday in the 38-15 win Over the Cleveland Browns showcased one reason why he projects to be a major part of the team’s red zone offense after missing the first four games of the season because of a broken collarbone. Cornerbacks covered his story. Greedy Williams It was quickly discovered on an over-route.

Veteran receiver DeVante ParkerNow in his eighth NFL season, he was one of the many who were impressed.

“He crossed the defender up on the line and was able to get open. It’s footwork and the upper body — shoulders, head moving and everything — making the defender think you’re going one way, but go the other,” Parker said. “For a tall receiver to move like that is good.”

Parker also noted that the 6-foot-2, 182-pound Thornton has a “long stride,” which showed up when he took a fourth-quarter handoff on an end around, galloping untouched into the end zone for a 19-yard touchdown.

Thornton’s work helped the Patriots finish with one of their best red zone days of the season (three touchdowns in five trips). As they prepare to host the Super Bowl, the Patriots rank 29th in NFL Red Zone touchdown percentage (9 TDs in twenty trips), a critical area. Chicago Bears Monday night (8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN).

“For a tall, linear-built guy, he has a lot more looseness than you would think,” offensive assistant Joe Judge said. He has a lot of natural instincts and a lot of savvy.

“Obviously, he has top-end speed. That’s no secret. I think the thing that really kind of jumped out at us in training camp was seeing him in short space, of how well he moves in and out of cuts, and how elusive he is right there.”

2. Monday night memories Ahead of the Patriots’ first Monday night game of the season, players and coaches reflected on their memories of watching the weekly event as kids. Kicker Nick Folk told the story of how he and his brothers Erik and Greg had piano lessons every Monday from 5 to 6 p.m. PT, splitting 20 minutes apiece, so the big debate was who got to go first so he wouldn’t have to miss kickoff.

Bill Belichick said it was watching Howard Cosell, Don Meredith, and Frank Gifford.

“Monday night highlights, that was big,” he said. “That was before Boomer.” [ESPN’s Chris Berman] His [“NFL PrimeTime”] Wrap-up was your last chance to see the highlights of the weekend. You usually waited until halftime and watched the highlights before going to bed. That was my routine if you could make it that long.”

3. Zappe’s likeability: Rookie quarterback Bailey Zappe Many fans were impressed by his play in the last 11 quarters, and his genuineness and humility when speaking to media. One of the common themes in social media interactions with followers has been how Zappe’s emergence and steady improvement made watching the team fun.

So, when? Mac Jones ultimately returns — and signs point to it likely being Monday night — that’s part of the dynamic he’s stepping back into from a public perception standpoint.

Safety is key in the locker rooms. Devin McCourty described it this way: “Zap’s been awesome. Mac’s been awesome. It was Mac who started the year. Then Zappe came in and we won two games. However, overall I think guys are enjoying the moment and appreciating what is around them. This feeling of winning is what everyone wants, and the past two weeks have been very enjoyable. That’s been more of the focus than ‘How is it with Zappe?’ And ‘How is it with Mac?’”

4. Solidified QB spot: By the end of the week, one player said it was a battle to see which quarterback – Jones or Zappe – would be the last off the field after practice. They’re pushing each other, and the result is that the Patriots have further solidified the most important position on the field.

5. Belichick’s legacy: Belichick, if the Patriots defeat the Bears Monday night, will be second on the all time wins list with 325 including playoffs. Don Pierson, who worked at the Chicago Tribune starting in 1967 (Halas’ final year as coach) and covered Halas as owner until his death in 1983, thinks highly of Belichick.

“I think he’s the best coach in history. I don’t think there is any question — he’s past [Vince] Lombardi and everybody, just by the record, the number of games he’s won and the playoffs,” Pierson said. “The Bears won six championships under Halas, but those weren’t playoffs. They [played and] One [postseason] game. The Patriots, it’s just incredible how dominant they’ve been.”

Pierson had a good time with Belichick as they were both on the panel that selected the winners. top 100 players in NFL history as part of the NFL’s 100th season.

“Of all the people, I think he did more work than any of us,” Pierson said. “He watched film, asked questions, talked during our meetings. He was unbelievable.”

6. Meyers extension?: The Patriots’ bye comes the weekend of Nov. 12-13, and sometimes that can be a break when the club looks ahead to contract-related business in hopes of striking an early extension. Meyers will be eligible for unrestricted, free agency following the season. Meyers’ impressive performance of 24 catches for 321 yard and one touchdown puts him in good position to get a big payday. Therefore, it would be a good idea for the team to get involved in talks.

7. Draft trades: In his 23 years leading the Patriots’ football operation, Belichick has never been on the clock on draft day and traded a future pick in an earlier round to select a player. One reason he’s avoided it is what has unfolded for the Panthers in their draft-day deal with the Patriots this year.

The Panthers were aggressive in acquiring the Patriots’ third-round pick (No. 94 in exchange for a Fourth-round pick (No. 137) and 2023 (as they targeted quarterbacks). Matt Corral. The Panthers (1-5), in financial trouble, are selling assets such as their running back. Christian McCaffreyA third-round pick may be as high at No. 64 (There are only 31 first round picks in 2023). Miami Dolphins‘ penalty).

8. Montgomery’s status: Belichick wouldn’t reveal if the ailment that landed veteran running back Ty Montgomery The season-ending injury reserve is in place after Week 1. This might be interpreted by some as an indication. Montgomery had broken his ankle in preseason finale. One would assume that he had aggravated it in opener. Montgomery’s injury to the running back is not the same as the ankle. It was more likely related to his upper body, according to a source close by Montgomery.

9. Pats in a 3-3 Pack: The Patriots are currently one of 10 teams with a record of 3-3. This is an unusually high number. Elias confirmed that this is only the fourth season of NFL history in which at least 10 teams have been at 3-3 for the first six weeks. In 1985 and 2012, there were 11 and 10 teams that finished 3-3 in the first six weeks. There were also 10 in 1989. ESPN Analytics ranks the Patriots eighth among all teams with the lowest odds of qualifying for the playoffs at 31%.

10. Did you know? After signing special teamer by the Patriots Raleigh Webb Webb will be the second ever player from The Citadel to take part in the Ravens’ practice squad on Wednesday. Greg Davis, the kicker, was a part of nine games played by the team in 1989 before Jason Staurovsky returned to the team.