Rookie wide receiver Tyquan Thornton has been one of the most impressive players throughout training camp. The big question was whether or not that would translate into game action.

Early in his preseason debut, Thornton has picked right up where he left off in practice. On one of his first routes, he shook a defender with his release off the line and gained separation up the sideline. The pass ended up being underthrown and fell incomplete, but it was an impressive display of Thornton’s speed and footwork.

Later on that drive, he put himself in the box score. On a 2nd & goal from the 2 yard line, Thornton recognized a scrambling Brian Hoyer would need help. He broke off his route on the end line, turned back around, separated from cornerback Aaron Robinson just enough to give Hoyer a window, and made the catch despite being held (a flag was thrown on the play).

Thornton’s speed is well-known – he ran the fastest 40-time at this year’s NFL Combine at 4.28 seconds. But it’s been the nuances of his game, especially his short-area quickness, that has really stood out in camp and has led to a lot of the hype. This touchdown was a perfect example of that.

In addition to Thornton, third-year receiver Kristian Wilkerson had a strong start to the game. He had two catches for 42 yards on the Patriots’ first two drives, including a 33-yard completion down the sideline.