New England Patriots
“Simply keep bringing it. I feel that the ball goes to search out him.”
Between his stable rapport with Drake Maye, his knack for torching defensive backs throughout coaching camp, or Josh McDaniels’ observe file of relying closely on shifty slot receivers in his offense, DeMario Douglas appeared poised for a breakout season with New England this fall.
However by means of two video games, Douglas has regarded extra like an afterthought than a focus of New England’s revamped offense.
Regardless of reeling in a landing within the Patriots’ Week 1 loss to the Raiders, Douglas solely posted two catches off of seven whole targets in that 20-13 defeat.
His workload dipped even additional in Week 2 towards the Dolphins. Regardless of Maye’s spectacular efficiency in a 33-27 victory at Onerous Rock Stadium, Douglas performed simply 15 snaps within the win — ending with one catch within the fourth quarter for eight yards.
It’s been a quiet begin for Douglas, who was one of many few brilliant spots on New England’s listless receiver corps through the 2024 season (66 catches, 621 yards, three touchdowns).
On Wednesday, Maye provided some phrases of help for Douglas, noting {that a} dip in snaps or targets doesn’t sign a season-long pattern for the gifted receiver.
“The large factor with Pop is he’s accomplished such an amazing job since coaching camp, for the reason that spring, studying the offense, being in numerous roles,” Maye mentioned of Douglas’ involvement within the offense. “Simply keep bringing it. I feel that the ball goes to search out him. There’s going to be some alternative the place we will get him the soccer. He’s an amazing participant, good with the ball in his arms.
“Simply preserve going. Generally the ball doesn’t bounce your means within the sport play some weeks. … We’ll undoubtedly discover methods to get Pop the ball.”
If there’s any comfort for Douglas, New England’s total receiver corps wasn’t precisely utilized closely in Week 2.
Whereas Mack Hollins and Kayshon Boutte each hauled in touchdowns, it was their lone catches of the afternoon — with Stefon Diggs main all wideouts with 4 catches for simply 32 yards.
New England and McDaniels put a premium on using New England’s operating backs, with Rhamondre Stevenson breaking by means of because the Patriots’ prime go catcher (5 catches, 88 yards), and rusher (11 makes an attempt, 54 yards) down in South Florida.
The Patriots will probably have extra changes to make on the offensive aspect of issues getting into Week 3 towards the Steelers.
As such, Douglas opted to take a optimistic method on Wednesday when requested by NBC Sports activities Boston’s Phil Perry about his utilization up to now this yr.
“For an athlete who loves the sport, that half is irritating, yeah,” Douglas told Perry. “However, man, on the finish of the day, I’m blessed. We acquired the dub. That will be very egocentric of me to return in right here offended after a win. I can’t be mad.”
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