In the midst of the New England Patriots’ overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, wide receiver Demario Douglas found himself without a single target. As a result, the second-year player was feeling the frustration boil over when he spoke to reporters the following day.
Douglas made it clear that he felt he had yet to truly showcase his talent this season, stating, “last year; not yet this year.” This sentiment comes after Douglas led the team in receiving last season with 49 catches for 561 yards. However, in the first two games of this season, he has only managed to haul in two catches for 12 yards on three targets.
When asked about Douglas’ comments, starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett responded in an understanding manner. “I’m glad he’s frustrated,” Brissett said, highlighting that such emotions are natural for a player in Douglas’ position. Brissett reassured Douglas that there is still plenty of football left to play this season and that the offense is still working on finding its identity.
Despite Douglas’ frustrations, it’s worth noting that the Patriots’ top four wide receivers have collectively recorded just 11 catches for 85 yards so far this season. K.J. Osborn leads the group with four catches for 28 yards, while tight ends Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper have been Brissett’s primary targets.
Recognizing Douglas’ potential, Brissett emphasized the need to involve him more in the offensive game plan. “Obviously, he’s a dynamic player, and me as the quarterback, I have to find ways to get him the ball,” Brissett acknowledged. While he cautioned against overreacting to the early struggles, Brissett acknowledged the importance of getting Douglas more involved in the passing game.
As the Patriots continue to navigate their offensive challenges, the hope is that Douglas will soon have the opportunity to shine and make a significant impact on the field. With Brissett’s support and a long season ahead, there is still ample time for Douglas to prove his worth and help elevate the team’s performance moving forward.
