Tyquan Thornton is thriving and Patriots fans are sick about it

If we're being fair to all perspectives, everyone involved has a legitimate right to feel the way they do. But on this side, the Kansas City Chiefs are quite happy to have this version of Tyquan Thornton on their roster.

It makes sense for New England Patriot fans to roll their eyes at Thornton these days. It also makes sense for Thornton to want to rub his curent success in their faces. For Chiefs Kingdom, it's nice to be on this side of the emotional spectrum when it comes to the productivity of former second-round wide receivers.

The Patriots selected Thornton in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft after trading up to secure the services of the speedy prospect from Baylor. In doing so, the Patriots were hoping to add a serious vertical threat—and that rookie class's fastest prospect—to a new offense surrounding Mac Jones.

Boston sports fans are having a hard time watching Tyquan Thornton these days.

Unfortunately over the next three seasons, Thornton would be lambasted by fans, referred to as a bust in any conversation, and ultimately released before the 2024 season was even over. With 17 catches for 138 yards in his second and third seasons, the writing for his departure was on the wall.

For Thornton's sake (and the Chiefs'), that's why it's nice to see him thriving so early into a new chapter in Kansas City. The Chiefs took a flyer on him after his release from the Patriots, and Thornton grew into a preseason sensation with practice sessions that drew praise from coaches and exhibitions that showcased his elite speed.

No one could have predicted just how important he would become, however, to a Chiefs' offense so bereft of playmakers. With Xavier Worthy's injury and Rashee Rice's suspension, the supporting cast around Patrick Mahomes has been lacking (to be kind). But Thornton's emergence as a favored target has elevated the unit when the Chiefs needed it most, with 9 catches for 171 yards and 2 touchdowns in his first three games with K.C.

That's why Boston sports outlets are responding with disbelief, giving Thornton a chance for the perfect response.

Given how Chiefs fans felt about Skyy Moore, who was selected by K.C. just a few picks after Thornton in that same round and draft, it's easy to understand both sides. The mere mention of Moore is likely to stir negative feelings in any member of Chiefs Kingdom, yet it's also joyous to watch Thornton rewrite the narrative on his NFL career.

Of course, Chiefs fans can only hope the chemistry with Mahomes continues to grow since the schedule doesn't get any easier for Kansas City. A home game against the Baltimore Ravens is up next, and the Detroit Lions, Washington Commanders, and Buffalo Bills are waiting in the next few weeks. With Worthy still ailing and Rice still waiting, Thornton remains as important as ever.