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FOXBORO -- Bottom line? Tim Dwight had to make those three catches in last week's preseason game against New Orleans.

Bill Belichick didn't say that, nor did anyone else on the Patriots' coaching staff. But the veteran wide receiver and kick returner knew that the time available to prove himself was dwindling, and that left few options other than to do something positive.

"Yeah, I had to,'' said the 5-foot-8, 180-pound speedster from Iowa. "I didn't play much receiver last year. I was down most of the year and all I did was return kicks. When I've gotten in and played, I've made some plays here and there, so it was kind of nice to get in and make some plays on the ball and make some catches.

"It shows that I can still do some of those things,'' he said.

Dwight, signed on March 13 after his release from the San Diego Chargers, caught three passes for 69 yards in the first half of the Patriots' 37-27 loss to the Saints. Included was a nifty leaping grab for 45 yards on Tom Brady's second pass attempt of the game, setting up Patrick Pass' 2-yard run for a 7-3 lead. With as many talented receivers as there are in the Patriots' camp, it behooves those who are fighting for jobs to make plays when they have the opportunity. So, it's understandable when Dwight says he's feeling the pressure to do things now that he's healthy, fully recovered from his offseason foot surgery, and approaching each day in the Patriots' camp as if it might be his last.