Most rookie quarterbacks in the NFL are asked to do one job: protect the football and manage the huddle. But during the New England Patriots’ 24-21 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, seventh-round draft pick Behren Morton was asked to do something almost unheard of in modern football. He was asked to step in as an emergency punter and went on to throw the game-winning touchdown. The former Texas Tech starter showed up when his team needed him most, turning an ordinary preseason game into a massive personal statement.

Morton entered the game in the second half with the Patriots trailing late, but his impact began much earlier on special teams. With primary punter Bryce Baringer unavailable, head coach Mike Vrabel turned to his rookie quarterback to handle kicking duties. Without warning or warm-up reps, the 24-year-old stepped onto the field and launched three punts averaging over 44 yards, flipping field position and keeping New England in the contest.

Then came the final drive. Down 21-17 with less than four minutes remaining, Morton marched the offense 73 yards downfield, completing six passes and converting a clutch fourth down. With just 57 seconds on the clock, he dropped back and floated a soft, precise 37-yard touchdown pass down the right sideline to receiver Nick DeGennaro. DeGennaro beat his defender, kept his feet inside the boundary, and caught the game-winner to seal a 24-21 Patriots victory.

By the end of the night, Morton’s stat line looked like something out of high school football: 13 completions on 17 attempts for 129 yards, one touchdown, no interceptions, and three punts totaling 133 yards. It was a full-circle moment for a player who last punted in competitive games back at Eastland High School in Texas, where he handled kicking duties alongside playing quarterback.

After the game, Morton said, “Tonight was fun. I wasn’t expecting to punt. It’s been since high school since I’ve punted, so you just got to make the most of your opportunity when it comes…”

Morton also praised his offensive line for protection on the final drive and noted that on the touchdown pass, he wanted to put the ball where “it was him or nobody.” 

Morton showed the coaching staff that he can handle pressure and adapt. This could end up shaping his future in New England as roster decisions draw near.

How Behren Morton’s Punting and Passing Help His Roster Odds

Back at Eastland High School in Texas, he worked as a kicker, punter, and kickoff specialist, while also playing safety and competing in Punt, Pass & Kick events with his sister. He was even listed as the backup punter at Texas Tech, though he never punted in a game there. 

Starter Drake Maye was rested for the game and remains the clear top quarterback. Veteran Tommy DeVito is still ahead for the QB2 spot after taking most of the second-team reps and starting Saturday’s game. He went 8-of-15 for 151 yards and a 69-yard touchdown pass to Kyle Williams. Morton remains in the third spot for now.

Still, the rookie has been earning respect from the staff all month. Back on August 1, Mike Vrabel offered high praise for the young passer, saying, “I think he’s got a live arm. I think that he learns quickly.” 

Morton has talked openly about learning from both Maye, whom he knew from their Elite 11 high school days, and DeVito. Morton mentioned that his main goal this preseason is “trying to prove a point to be on this team.”

Under the NFL’s emergency third-quarterback rule, if Morton makes the 53-man squad, he can only enter a regular-season game if both Maye and DeVito get injured, meaning he would not be able to punt in that scenario.

However, showing he can execute the offense while offering emergency special teams depth gives New England a strong reason to keep three quarterbacks on the main roster. 

Morton will get one last chance to build his case in the preseason schedule against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday, August 27. That game will be the final test before cuts are finalized ahead of the regular-season opener against the Seattle Seahawks on September 9.