How the Patriots can get the most out of DeMario Douglas in the 2024 season originally appeared in NBC Sports Boston
There haven’t been many bright spots in the New England Patriots’ 2024 season on offense. This unit tied for the fewest points scored per game (13.9) in the NFL and the quarterback play of Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe was quite poor.
But a positive point was the emergence of DeMario “Pop” Douglas.
The rookie wide receiver showed flashes of exciting potential. He recorded 49 receptions for 561 yards in 14 games. He was at his best in the second half of the season, completing at least five passes in five of his last eight matches.
You could argue that Douglas is the most dynamic player on the team. And it’s up to the Patriots’ coaches — specifically new offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt — to find ways to maximize his skill set.
“The best player on offense, the most unique player and the one you really want to try to carry the ball to 120 times this year is DeMario Douglas,” Tom E. Curran said Monday on NBC Sports Boston’s Arbella Early Edition.
“The best case scenario is finding ways to get him the ball in space, whether it’s jet sweeps, ripped screens, but you can find a way to get him the ball, you’re doing that. also. That means it’s up to Alex Van Pelt to create things that aren’t just meat and potatoes, run the ball and use his tight ends.
Getting the ball to Douglas in space is crucial.
This play from last season’s Week 4 loss to the Dallas Cowboys is a good example of what he can do in space.
Douglas is absolutely electric in the open field and actually ranked third in the league in yards after catch (6.9) last season among players with 40+ receptions. He was behind only Deebo Samuel (8.8) and Rashee Rice (8.3).
The Patriots have much better depth at wide receiver in 2024 than they did at the start of last season, especially after drafting Ja’Lynn Polk (second round) and Javon Baker (fourth round) in April.
But it would be up to the Patriots to think of every imaginable way to get the ball to Douglas. New England’s offense is desperate for a high-end playmaker, and Douglas is the player most likely to fill that role next season.
