Promising Patriots: DeMario Headlines Late-Season Standouts
The New England Patriots' offense hasn't produced many bright spots this season, ranking last the NFL in scoring at 14.6 points per game en route to a 4-12 record.
But it hasn't all been dim in New England.
Enter sixth-round receiver DeMario Douglas, who has 47 receptions for 548 yards in just 13 games. Douglas, also known as "Pop," broke the Patriots' rookie receptions record under coach Bill Belichick, previously held by Deion Branch with 43 catches in 2002. The 23-year-old Douglas has seen his role rise recently, garnering at least five targets in each of his past eight appearances, and at least eight targets in three of his past five.
In New England's 27-21 loss to the Buffalo Bills last Sunday, Douglas dabbled as a runner, taking three carries for 12 yards.
The former Liberty star has quickly made his mark on an otherwise lackluster New England offense - and Belichick has taken notice.
"Pop's done a good job of serving different roles offensively," Belichick said. "Different positions, different roles, different type plays, and also some in the return game. He's a smart kid, works hard, pretty instinctive player.
"So, we've been able to do some things with him, a variety of things with him."
Dec 31, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas (81) runs a sweep against the Buffalo Bills in the first quarter at Highmark Stadium.
Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Belichick added he hasn't seen defenses change anything specifically to stop Douglas, but it appears they may need to start doing so sooner rather than later.
Douglas isn't alone on late-season breakthroughs within New England's offense, as running back Ezekiel Elliott has accumulated 523 yards from scrimmage and three total touchdowns in his last seven games.
Each of Elliott's scores have come in the last four weeks, and he's grown into a strong contributor in the Patriots' aerial attack, catching at least four passes in all but one of New England's last five contests.
And while the 28-year-old Elliott isn't guaranteed to be in Foxboro next season, his late ascent inspires confidence he can still make an impact in the NFL.
Conversely, Patriots rookie punter Bryce Baringer, a sixth-round selection has made a strong claim to return in 2024. Baringer's seen considerable volume with New England's offensive difficulties, as his 89 punts rank third-most in the league.
Baringer leads the NFL with 36 punts pinned inside the 20-yard line, though his rate of 40.4 percent of punts inside the 20 ranks No. 11 league-wide.
Nonetheless, between Baringer and Douglas, the Patriots have seen positive returns from a pair of their late-round selections.
New England has seen similarly encouraging growth from one of its young defenders, 2021 second-round defensive tackle Christian Barmore.
The 24-year-old Barmore leads the Patriots with 8.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss and 15 quarterback hits. He entered the season with four sacks, five tackles for loss and 16 quarterback hits in the first two seasons of his career combined.
Barmore, who stands at 6-5, 315 pounds, has become New England's most productive player up front in the wake of outside linebacker Matthew Judon's torn bicep in Week 4.
And so, while the Patriots could finish with their worst record since going 2-14 in 1992 and have questions to answer at head coach, quarterback and several other spots, there remain at least a few bright spots.
Belichick will be looking for more to emerge Sunday, as the Patriots aim to finish on a high note when they host the New York Jets (6-10) at 1 p.m. EST inside Gillette Stadium.
