FOXBORO — The Patriots’ offense wanted extra Pop after a laborious begin to the season. And rookie extensive receiver Demario “Pop” Douglas got here by in Sunday’s win over the Bills.
Douglas caught 4 passes on six targets for 54 yards, drew two penalties, carried the ball as soon as for 20 yards and returned a punt for 25 yards. Returning from a concussion, the sixth-round decide completed second amongst Patriots extensive receivers behind Kendrick Bourne with 24 routes run, per Patriots.com’s Evan Lazar.
“It’s a blessing just to show the world and then my teammates. I played for them today. I didn’t play for me. I played for my teammates,” Douglas mentioned after the 29-25 win.
One motive Douglas performed a lot Sunday was as a result of beginning slot receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster was inactive for the second straight week after struggling a concussion in Week 5.
“Pop’s [Demario Douglas]’s quick,” head coach Bill Belichick mentioned. “You know, he got some separation on a few routes, made a couple tough catches. The seam pass was a good catch. He got held on the play action over route on the first drive, I think it was. Short yardage play.”
The Liberty product has a knack for making defenders miss. He’s the Patriots’ greatest receiver at getting open in man protection and selecting up yards after the catch.
“It just happens,” Douglas mentioned. “I’d say it’s a little instinct. I play with confidence. I don’t want the first person to tackle me. So, it’s just a thing.”
He additionally was making tough catches in Sunday’s sport. He was robbed of a 6-yard catch on the finish of the sport when head coach Bill Belichick accepted a defensive go interference penalty to save lots of time on the clock on a play when Douglas fought by contact to make the catch.
“The ball come my way, I need to make that play,” Douglas mentioned. “I’m trying to make it a (75)-25 ball, not no 50-50.”
Douglas has earned extra snaps and has confirmed he’s one of many Patriots’ greatest playmakers. Smith-Schuster was a key offseason addition however has disillusioned within the begin to his Patriots profession. Douglas is making it tough for Smith-Schuster to take his beginning function again, nevertheless.
Source: www.bostonherald.com