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3 underrated Patriots to breakout in 2023

By Garrett Haydon

Jan 1, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (11) makes the touchdown against Miami Dolphins cornerback Noah Igbinoghene (9) in the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (11) makes the touchdown against Miami Dolphins cornerback Noah Igbinoghene (9) in the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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The 2022 season for the New England Patriots was a disappointment on multiple levels. The offense struggled with consistency and execution, the special teams gave up too many big plays and the team seemingly couldn’t get out of their own way in late game scenarios. Even in the difficult times this season, there were some bright spots but not necessarily in the most obvious of places. Some of the bright spots were clear to see, such as the emergence of Josh Uche and the playmaking ability of the rookie defensive backs. Others showed small glimpses of their potential and hope to parlay that into a breakout season in 2023. Below are three players that could be poised to break out next season in Foxborough.

Tyquan Thornton

The rookie wide receiver out of Baylor was slowed by a fractured clavicle in the preseason and didn’t make his debut until Week 5. The following week he had tremendous impact with seven touches and both receiving and rushing touchdowns. Thornton has great speed and with more involvement in the offense, could be a difference-maker in 2023. With Nelson Agholor being an unrestricted free agent, there could be a potential opportunity for Thornton to fill in and be that receiver that can be a deep threat for Mac Jones. While Thornton may not have exactly burst onto the scene in his first season, he has the ability and opportunity to be an important part of the offense going forward.

Pierre Strong

Another rookie that made a small impact was Strong who got more looks late in the season as a running back and kick returner. He scored his first career touchdown in Arizona and had 90 all-purpose yards in a Patriots win in which Damien Harris was unavailable and Rhamondre Stevenson had left the game. His ability to make plays with ball in his hands is a valuable skillset that could be very helpful to the offense especially if Harris leaves in free agency. The Patriots are in need of pass-catching running back and Strong seemed to get some looks in that area last season, so it’ll be interesting to see if Bill O’Brien continues to do that in 2023.

Anfernee Jennings

After missing the entire season in 2021, Jennings made incremental improvements last season as he appeared in 16 games, recording 27 tackles, a sack and a half, four quarterback hits, two passes defensed, and a forced fumble. After seeing Uche’s breakout year last season, there’s no reason to think Jennings can’t break out in a similar way in 2023. He not only has the ability to rush the passer but can fall back into coverage, allowing him to play in multiple situations. With more hopefully playing time in 2023, Jennings can improve even more and become a stalwart on the defensive side of the ball.

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