New England Patriots
A Disgruntled DeMario Douglas Doesn’t Help the Patriots
The 2023 season didn’t go as well as hoped for the New England Patriots. Their 4-13 finish was the team’s worst record during the 30 years Robert Kraft owned the team. Things went so poorly the Patriots parted ways with Bill Belichick, who helped bring unprecedented success to the franchise during his 24-year tenure with the organization. But despite the many setbacks, there were a few positives. One of these was wide receiver DeMario Douglas.
New England drafted Douglas in the sixth round (No. 210 overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Liberty. Douglas stands only 5-foot-8, leading to his availability so late in the draft. It didn’t take him long to win over Patriots fans. Douglas showed in training camp he could consistently get open and catch the football. With the Patriots having lost Jakobi Meyers in free agency, the rest of the wide receiver room had a lot of question marks heading into the season. If Douglas produced, he would have a role right away.
Douglas played 33 offensive snaps in the New England Patriots 2023 season opener. He caught four passes for 40 yards. It was a solid start to his first NFL season. In Week 2 he caught both first-quarter targets thrown his way but fumbled the ball away on his second reception. DeMario Douglas found himself in Bill Belichick’s doghouse, not always an easy place to exit. He did not play another offensive snap the rest of the game. His playing time remained limited for the next three games and then Douglas suffered a concussion which caused him to miss Week 6.
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Six weeks into his rookie season, Douglas had ten receptions for 143 yards. When he returned from his one-week hiatus, things got back on track.
Reemergence as a Rookie
DeMario Douglas became a key contributor for the New England Patriots over the next five games (Weeks 7-12). He caught 26 passes for 267 yards. Kendrick Bourne suffered a season-ending ACL injury in Week 8 against Miami. Douglas has gone from sixth-round pick to Belichick’s doghouse, to the team’s top wide receiver threat.
Unfortunately, Douglas suffered a second concussion. It kept him out for two weeks this time. With New England playing for nothing but draft position heading into Week 15, it would have been easier for Douglas to protect himself and remain sidelined the rest of his rookie year. However, he came back again to play the final four games.
The final totals for DeMario Douglas’ rookie campaign were 49 receptions for 561 yards. He rushed eight times for 41 yards. Douglas became the New England Patriots’ first rookie wide receiver to have over 600 yards from scrimmage since Terry Glenn in 1996. He earned the Mike Haynes Award as New England’s Rookie of the Year. In addition to his production, an undersized underdog with a huge smile and playmaking capabilities made Douglas a fan favorite.
Disappointing Start to 2024
In New England’s Week 1 win over Cincinnati, Douglas caught two passes for 12 yards. It was not a big deal on the surface. Douglas received only three targets, but the Patriots were trying to be a run-first team and they won the game. However, in Week 2 New England lost in overtime to Seattle. DeMario Douglas did not receive a single target. He did not speak to the media after the game.
The Patriots made a concerted effort to get him more involved in Week 3 against the Jets. Douglas caught seven of the nine passes thrown his way for 69 yards. He received his first carry of the year as well, a nine-yard run. Unfortunately, New England got blown out 23-3 in New York, so it was tough for Douglas to take solace in his improved production from an individual standpoint.
On Sunday, Jacoby Brissett targeted DeMario Douglas three times. He caught all three but picked up only 13 yards receiving. This left his season totals through four weeks at 15 targets, 12 receptions, and 94 yards receiving. He leads New England wide receivers in both categories. However, Douglas is on pace for 51 receptions and 400 yards this season. Given the high expectations for his second season, those numbers would be a huge disappointment.
From Disappointed to Disgruntled?
Douglas did speak to the media after the loss in San Francisco. This time, what he said and did not say both seemed noteworthy. Douglas was asked if the 49ers did anything defensively to prevent the Patriots from executing a plan of getting the ball out of Jacoby Brissett’s hand quickly.
“No, I think we beat ourselves,” said Douglas. “I’m going to go watch the film and then, that’s when I will know. We just beat ourselves for sure. I don’t think it’s anything they did.”
Once again, Pop Douglas was open but Jacoby Brissett couldn't find him pic.twitter.com/JGQLZE6bCn
— Ben Brown 🌻 (@BenBrownPL) September 29, 2024
He was asked if losing a game was more frustrating when turnovers and unforced errors were costly
“Yes, we just don’t like losing,” replied Douglas. “Well, I can’t speak for everybody, but some of us just don’t like losing regardless. It’s just frustrating.”
Finally, DeMario Douglas was asked to assess how his quarterback, Jacoby Brissett, has played so far. “I really don’t speak on anyone but myself and just control what I can control,” Douglas answered.
It would have been easy to say something like, “He’s playing well, but obviously we all need to do better.” But he didn’t. Douglas has been open regularly this season yet hasn’t hit the 100-yard mark for the season through four weeks. It’s understandable for Douglas to be disappointed with his lack of opportunities thus far, not to mention the team’s 1-3 start.
That said, it is also important for DeMario Douglas not to become miserable. He was a positive influence on the team, even as a rookie and even while being reprimanded for his early-season fumble. Douglas kept a positive attitude, worked hard, waited for his opportunity, and made the most of it when it arrived. Perhaps he thought those days were behind him, but based on the New England Patriots’ limited passing attack in 2024, that is not the case. Douglas needs to go back to what worked for him a year ago. Quite simply, the Patriots can’t afford to add another problem to their plate.
