Drake Maye backs up DeMario Douglas amid decreased function
New England Patriots
“Simply keep bringing it. I believe that the ball goes to search out him.”
Between his strong rapport with Drake Maye, his knack for torching defensive backs throughout coaching camp, or Josh McDaniels’ monitor document 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 way of two video games, Douglas has appeared 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 complete 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 vibrant spots on New England’s listless receiver corps throughout 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 carried out such a fantastic job since coaching camp, because the spring, studying the offense, being in several roles,” Maye stated of Douglas’ involvement within the offense. “Simply keep bringing it. I believe 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 a fantastic participant, good with the ball in his arms.
“Simply maintain going. Generally the ball doesn’t bounce your method within the sport play some weeks. … We’ll positively discover methods to get Pop the ball.”
If there’s any comfort for Douglas, New England’s complete 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 working backs, with Rhamondre Stevenson breaking by way of because the Patriots’ high go catcher (5 catches, 88 yards), and rusher (11 makes an attempt, 54 yards) down in South Florida.
The Patriots will possible have extra changes to make on the offensive aspect of issues coming 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 to date this yr.
“For an athlete who loves the sport, that half is irritating, yeah,” Douglas advised 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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