Phillip Dorsett shines in Patriots third preseason game

CHARLOTTE – This offseason, Phillip Dorsett has shown glimpses of the type of receiver he could be in the Patriots offense.

Up until Friday night, the 25-year-old had yet to show it in a game.

Dorsett came into the Patriots third preseason game with just one catch in two previous contests. It didn’t take him long to get going against the Carolina Panthers and in the end, Dorsett’s performance was one of the most encouraging of the Patriots third [...]

CHARLOTTE – This offseason, Phillip Dorsett has shown glimpses of the type of receiver he could be in the Patriots offense.

Up until Friday night, the 25-year-old had yet to show it in a game.

Dorsett came into the Patriots third preseason game with just one catch in two previous contests. It didn’t take him long to get going against the Carolina Panthers and in the end, Dorsett’s performance was one of the most encouraging of the Patriots third preseason game.

“I’m growing every day here,” Dorsett said. “I think I can keep going.”

The Patriots certainly hope so.

Dorsett finished Friday’s game with four catches for 36 yards. All the production came in the first half. Those four receptions were more than Dorsett had all last season – he caught 12 passes in 2017 and his season-high was three.

A first-round pick by Indianapolis in 2015, this receiver never quite lived up to the billing with the Colts and was traded to the Patriots last year for quarterback Jacoby Brissett. This offseason, Dorsett aimed to show he was more than just a downfield threat. His speed has always been evident, but the receiver wanted to show he could do more.

On Friday, he lined up both inside and outside the numbers for the Patriots.

“I do like lining up outside and inside. It makes us unpredictable. It keeps the defense on their heels,” Dorsett said. “I pride myself in trying to be an every-down receiver. A guy that can line up outside, inside, so that’s another one of those things I try to work on. Not just trying to be a downfield guy. Also running routes. Running the whole route tree. That’s a thing I work on a lot.”

Tom Brady and the starting offense was only on the field for three series in the first half, but Dorsett factored in right away. He caught Brady’s first pass of the game – for six yards – in the first quarter. To start the second quarter, Dorsett took a screen pass 16 yards downfield after making a defender miss. His next two catches were contested, but Dorsett hung on during an 8-yard reception and then again on a 6-yard catch. That last reception was a fourth-down conversion.

“Phil did a good job. He made some good plays,” Brady said. “He’s done a good job through the spring and training camp. He’s been dependable. He’s been out there. It’s been great to watch. We got him late last year and I think he’s been grinding it out trying to find a role. He’s done a great job with the opportunities.”