The legend of Patriots rookie vast receiver Demario Douglas will solely develop after Thursday night time’s preseason opener.
After two weeks of spectacular play at coaching camp, the 5-foot-8, 192-pound receiver barely performed towards the Houston Texans. Douglas began the sport however logged simply two offensive snaps. He additionally performed one particular groups snap, truthful catching a punt.
In the preseason, an absence of taking part in time could be a good factor.
“We look at the whole body of work here,” Belichick stated. “There are a lot of guys who didn’t get a whole lot of reps last night. That’s because most of them got a lot of reps in the practice sessions, more reps in the practice session. I’d say most of the players who played last night have gotten fewer reps in practice sessions. It’s kind of a balance, and the guys that practice less play more and some of the guys who have practiced more played less. Trying to get an evaluation and look at everybody.”
There was a listing of 21 Patriots gamers who have been seemingly wholesome however didn’t play on Thursday night time: quarterback Mac Jones, working again Rhamondre Stevenson, vast receivers DeVante Parker, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Kendrick Bourne, tight ends Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki, offensive deal with Riley Reiff, heart David Andrews, defensive linemen Christian Barmore, Deatrich Wise, Davon Godchaux and Lawrence Guy, edge defenders Matthew Judon and linebacker Josh Uche, Ja’Whaun Bentley, cornerback Marcus Jones, safeties Jabrill Peppers, Adrian Phillips and Kyle Dugger, and particular teamer Matthew Slater. Most of these gamers are both established veterans or entrenched starters.
Douglas is a rookie sixth-round decide, however he’s risen up the depth chart for the reason that spring, and the explanation he’s practiced a lot is as a result of he’s earned these alternatives by way of his efficiency.
Wide receiver Tre Nixon, who’s combating for a roster spot, led all vast receivers with 49 snaps. Rookie sixth-round decide Kayshon Boutte performed 32 snaps, Raleigh Webb was on the sector for 25 snaps, Thryick Pitts performed 19 snaps and 2022 second-round decide Tyquan Thornton noticed motion on 14 performs. Undrafted rookie Malik Cunningham primarily performed quarterback on the Patriots’ remaining drive but additionally was in at vast receiver on a handful of his 26 offensive snaps.
Douglas has made a behavior out of beating Patriots defensive backs in 1-on-1 drills, utilizing his quickness to realize straightforward separation. He’s been a favourite goal of backup quarterback Bailey Zappe but additionally elevated his targets from starter Mac Jones up to now week.
The Patriots have been excessive on Douglas’ potential even coming into coaching camp.
The 22-year-old caught 79 passes for 993 yards with six touchdowns in his remaining season at Liberty, including 5 carries for 105 yards with a landing as a ball provider. He returned two punts for touchdowns in his four-year faculty profession.
Thornton, who seemingly entered camp above Douglas on the receiving pecking order, did miss some observe time since camp broke in late July. He led the Patriots with 31 receiving yards on two catches Thursday night time. Nixon led the staff with 4 catches on six targets, choosing up 23 yards.
Source: www.bostonherald.com