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New England Patriots wide receiver Demario Douglas finally enjoyed his biggest game as a pro and scored his first touchdown in the Patriots' 41-21 loss to the Houston Texans. Despite the blowout nature of the loss, there's much reason for optimism in this new iteration of the Boston faithful.
The 23-year-old was dominant, hauling in six passes on nine targets for 92 yards and a touchdown. He hadn't found the end zone in his career to this point.
So was his huge game legit or a fluke? What will the rest of his season look like? Should you pick him up off of waivers for Week 7?
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Why Did DeMario Douglas Have a Huge Game?
Because he has a good quarterback now. Though it wasn't a perfect game for him, new Patriots starting quarterback Drake Maye threw for 243 yards and three touchdowns. He threw two interceptions and fumbled the ball, but still managed to resurrect an offense that's looked completely lifeless outside of RB Rhamondre Stevenson through the first five weeks.
Drake Maye DIME for his first career touchdown pass!
📺: #HOUvsNE on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/psTLjZvOoK— NFL (@NFL) October 13, 2024
It's funny to note that "Pop" Douglas was wide open on a slant route on this play. It's a testament to Maye's skill that he went with a more difficult throw and dropped a dime right into the bucket. Even though the play could have gone to Pop, it's great to see New England headed by a highly talented quarterback once again.
The sophomore receiver is set to be in good hands for years to come, and it's good to see that there's little issue with their ability to produce yards and scores. While the former North Carolina quarterback would benefit from cleaning up some of the turnover issues, it's comforting that they didn't stop the offense from being productive.
Will DeMario Douglas Continue to Dominate?
Most likely. Maye is an excellent quarterback, and Douglas is the clear No. 1 receiver on the team. Tape from 2023 shows a receiver who almost always makes the first man miss and possesses the route-running prowess and short-area quickness to consistently get open. He's a PPR fantasy manager and quarterback's best friend. Sunday was no different.
Jerod Mayo says the coaching staff will consider utilizing DeMario Douglas more in two-receiver sets.
Douglas had a career game with Drake Maye at quarterback:
6 REC, 92 YDS, 1st career TD REC
— Andrew Guindon (@NestPgs) October 13, 2024
In addition, Maye (unsurprisingly) likes throwing it to the guy who gets open and gets very open. While consistently getting separation is nice, the amount of separation matters, and the receiver who can be trusted to dust his defenders with regularity will be fed the rock.
Demario Douglas dominated the first-read target share in Drake Maye's first pro start.
(Source: @FantasyPtsData) pic.twitter.com/9EcvwWedck
— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) October 14, 2024
Receivers with Pop's skillset are PPR fantasy studs. Even in games where the offense has a tough time scoring, the amount of targets they draw usually leads to impressive reception numbers, and the way they win stymies defenses' attempts to break up passes.
Receivers win in a variety of ways, but in general, the best way for a receiver to win and benefit in a fantasy formats where catches count for points is to dust man coverage and be wide open for catches. Contested catches are tougher to bring down and give the defense a chance to knock the ball away or jar it loose.
Douglas also plays quite often out of the slot, matching him up with less talented corners than those on the outside and reducing the distance between he and the quarterback on in-breaking routes, so that they become easy layups.
What Will The Rest of DeMario Douglas' Season Look Like?
He should stick around as the No. 1 receiver in New England. He's significantly more talented than the rest of his team's WRs, and when the new sheriff came to town, 37th overall NFL Draft selection Ja'Lynn Polk wilted. Meanwhile, Pop looked just at home, easily torching defenders.
I don't think this is exactly what the Patriots want in terms of feet/technique?
But it's exactly what they want in terms of results: Drake Maye puts the ball on the money despite a blitz. Demario Douglas beats his man.
TOUCHDOWN. pic.twitter.com/lIWthY2Eth
— Henry McKenna (@henrycmckenna) October 14, 2024
The rookie quarterback throwing to him has an impressive ability to make ridiculous throws off platform. When the second-year pro beats his man in coverage, and he consistently does, the rookie signal-caller will find a way to get the ball to him. He's a reliable chain-mover and should be the go-to guy in clutch situations.
Drake Maye is 4-4 on 4th downs
Half were scrambles, half went to DeMario Douglas
Cool finally seeing Pop get some love on a quick out, where he's been automatic 1v1 https://t.co/PEKUCHH6jZ pic.twitter.com/WHN2nKRisj
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) October 14, 2024
It's true that the best way to describe Douglas as a receiver is "automatic" in one-on-one situations. A common litmus test for wide receiver skill is how he does against single-man coverage. Line him up against an NFL defender and have them go at it. If the WR comes out on top most of the time and can win quickly, he should have a good career.
The former Liberty flame is a nightmare matchup in man. His slant routes are incredibly crisp, clean, and quick. And it's not like he came out of nowhere. An examination of his film from last season shows a WR that won often and with ease but was held back by subpar quarterback play.
Demario Douglas was absolutely fantastic today.
- 4 catches for 54 yards
- big punt return
- forced two key defensive penalties
What a game for the rookie. pic.twitter.com/eXAp5kmczb
— Pats Buzz (@PatsBuzz) October 22, 2023
Should I Pick Up Or Start DeMario Douglas In Week 7?
You should absolutely be submitting a claim for him in all leagues and he deserves a start in Week 7. The Pats will face the Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday in London. Jacksonville has been deploying the "Swiss Cheese" defense, which has allowed the second-most PPR fantasy points to wide receivers this season.
No surprise. The Jaguars have the worst pass defense in football https://t.co/ETC0RFmzf4
— JAKE ELLENBOGEN (@JKBOGEN) October 13, 2024
The Jaguars have allowed over 276 passing yards per game. They've been torched by Caleb Williams, Joe Flacco, C.J. Stroud, and Josh Allen. It would be a surprise if the Patriots didn't do the same. Expect Douglas to have another big game in Week 7, and if you wait, it will be too late to pick him up.
He's currently rostered in just 14% of Sleeper leagues, and he should be one of the first priorities as a waiver pickup this weekend. Don't be afraid to blow a lot of your FAAB budget on him. He's probably the last true No. 1 receiver on any team that will be in a good situation for the rest of the season and who isn't on rosters in most leagues.
