Patriots' Preseason Risers: 5 Players Who Made a Serious Case Thursday Night

Let's be real — a preseason opener is usually a glorified practice with better camera angles. But Thursday night at Gillette Stadium, the New England Patriots gave fans a glimpse of the future, and some guys used their audition to flip the script entirely. Sure, the final was a 13-13 snoozefest against the Colts, but for a handful of names, this was anything but a tie.

With most starters enjoying the view from the sideline, the spotlight shifted to the underdogs, the roster-bubble warriors, and the rookies looking to make a name. These five stood out the most, and they're trending in the right direction.

LB K.J. Britt: The Enforcer

The six-year vet came in with something to prove, and he did it in just 14 defensive snaps. Britt set the tone with a tackle behind the line, then followed it up by hunting down Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. and punching the ball loose. The fumble was recovered by teammate Isaiah Iton. That's the kind of downhill thump the Patriots need in the linebacker room. Coach Mike Vrabel noticed: "K.J. showed up with a veteran presence, physical presence... I have appreciated how he approached the offseason."

RB Jam Miller: The Grinder

The seventh-rounder out of Alabama is making the leap from practice-squad sleeper to legitimate roster threat. With Terrell Jennings placed on IR, Miller grabbed the opportunity with both hands — and ran through a few defenders, too. He toted the rock 14 times for 55 yards, converting a key fourth-down run behind first-round tackle Caleb Lomu. Vrabel liked the pad level: "I felt like he ran with his pads down and had a couple physical runs." That's exactly how you get noticed in Foxborough.

QB Behren Morton: Calm Under Pressure

Morton got 30 second-half snaps and didn't look lost for a second. The conservative play-calling kept things simple, but the key was his poise in the final drive. Down to 1:10 on the clock, Morton delivered two throws to put the Pats in field goal range. He finished 7-of-13 for 66 yards. His message afterward? "Trying to prove a point to be on this team." Mission started.

Edge Bradyn Swinson: Chaos Creator

Third on the edge depth chart? Doesn't matter. Swinson came alive in the second half, using a power rush to help force an interception and then swatting a pass on fourth down for nearly another turnover. He led all defenders with 38 snaps and got his name on the stat sheet with three tackles and a quarterback hit. He's not just a camp body — he's knocking on the door.

WR Kyle Williams: The Route Runner With the Killer Crossover

Williams showed why he was drafted in the third round. His 12-yard touchdown catch featured a move that had McCourty and McCourty calling it a "killer crossover." Then he added a 25-yard comeback that had defenders stuck in the mud. It wasn't perfect — a pass interference penalty and a skipped deep ball drew Vrabel's quick coaching — but the talent is undeniable. Playing gunner on punt coverage only boosts his stock in a crowded receiver room.

There's still work to do, but Thursday night was a big step for these five. The depth chart is far from set, and the Eagles joint practices next week will be another test. But if these flashes are real, the Patriots might have found some serious contributors.