FOXBORO, Mass. — New England Patriots fans are disappointed by DeMario Douglas’ slow start to the season, and the second-year receiver is right there with them. Douglas entered the season with high expectations but was a non-factor in the first two games. The talented slot weapon is frustrated, and rightfully so.
DeMario Douglas Off to Surprisingly Slow Start for Patriots
Douglas is expected to be the top target hog in the Patriots offense. And when the dust settles, the 2023 sixth-rounder likely will be New England’s most productive receiver if he stays healthy.
But Douglas has been invisible through two Sundays. He caught just two passes on three targets for 13 yards in the season-opening win over the Cincinnati Bengals and delivered zero catches on one target in the Week 2 home loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Two catches on four targets from your top receiver aren’t going to cut it.
Of course, it’s not all Douglas’ fault. Jacoby Brissett was among the league’s most-pressured quarterbacks in the first two weeks and rarely had enough time to find open receivers. The flow of both games also enabled the Patriots to double down on their running back, which is their strength.
Nevertheless, New England must get Douglas involved.
“We have to get him going,” Jerod Mayo said after Sunday’s loss. “We have to scheme up some things for him. He’s one of our most explosive players, and that’s on us as coaches to put it together.”
It’s not just Douglas, though. Patriots receivers combined for just 85 yards and one touchdown on 11 catches in the first two games.
“We definitely have to start to get the ball down the field,” Mayo said during his postgame news conference. “We’ve got to start pushing the ball down the field to get that shell defense, and we’ve got to be able to run. We’ve got to be able to pass. We’ve got to be able to ping-pong between the two.
“It’s something that we need to work on. That’s what I would say.”
Douglas caught up with Patriots reporters on Monday, and the 23-year-old’s frustration was obvious.
Douglas Staying Positive Amid Offense’s Struggles
Douglas declined to speak with reporters after Sunday’s game, a rare move for a player who grants most media requests. The typically energetic and easy-going receiver sat quietly at his locker, scrolling through his phone before leaving the stadium.
But Douglas agreed to a last-minute media request on Monday despite being crunched for time as a team meeting neared. “Don’t be late, Pop!” a teammate jokingly shouted as reporters surrounded Douglas, who kept his answers brief.
“Very challenging,” Douglas said when asked for thoughts on his quiet start.
“Just keep doing what we’re doing,” he said when asked how New England receivers can turn things around.
Douglas doesn’t believe his route-running has been a problem. And the film backs him up; he’s been open on multiple plays undermined by poor pass protection.
“Pull up the film, you can tell,” Douglas said. “But things happen for a reason. Whenever my time’s ready, I’m gonna show them.”
Douglas caught 49 passes for 561 yards in 14 games as a rookie. His explosive talent was obvious.
When asked whether he’s been able to showcase his talent this season, Douglas gave a blunt answer.
“Last year,” he said. “Not yet this year.”
Douglas will look to break out of his slump Thursday night when the Patriots visit the New York Jets. Kickoff from MetLife Stadium is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET.