The New England Patriots and their fans will likely have to endure another miserable season like the one the team had in 2023 when it finished with a 4-13 record.
However, perhaps a couple of pieces are in place that could help it return to respectability within a few years.
Drake Maye, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, is the Patriots’ new quarterback, and they may also have an emerging stud at wide receiver.
According to Brian Hines of Pats Pulpit, returning second-year player Demario “Pop” Douglas has been turning heads at training camp.
“For the second straight day, Pop Douglas gave New England’s offense a boost as he was virtually uncoverable,” Hines wrote, via 32 Beat Writers. “He had connections with both Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye in 11s before he hauled in an explosive slot fade in 7s for a touchdown between Jonathan Jones and Kyle Dugger.”
“For the second straight day, Pop Douglas gave New England’s offense a boost as he was virtually uncoverable. He had connections with both Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye in 11s before he hauled in an explosive slot fade in 7s for a touchdown between Jonathan Jones and Kyle… https://t.co/kzP6pULXjH
— 32BeatWriters (@32BeatWriters) August 2, 2024
Douglas was a sixth-round pick (No. 210 overall) in the 2023 NFL Draft and as a rookie caught 49 passes for 561 yards.
Wide receiver is a weak position for New England, evidenced by the fact that in 2023, Douglas was their only player who exceeded 420 receiving yards. It’s one of the reasons former head coach and de facto general manager Bill Belichick was criticized for poor drafting and personnel decisions.
Belichick is gone after 24 years at the helm of the Patriots, and Jerod Mayo, a former star linebacker for New England, has replaced him as head coach.
If the Pats have the right leadership in place, perhaps it’s just a matter of time before they become Super Bowl contenders again, although lots of work will be needed to get there.
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Former Patriots Star Believes Bill Belichick Will Coach Again
