Jacoby Brissett on Demario Douglas’ frustration in Patriots offense: ‘Still trying to figure out our identity’ Sep 17, 2024

New England Patriots second-year receiver Demario Douglas voiced frustration on Monday over not seeing the ball much early in the season.

Douglas has two catches for 12 yards on three targets through two games, including zero targets in Sunday’s overtime loss to Seattle.

The wideout admitted it’s been difficult not to be part of the offense much after leading the Pats in receiving last season. Asked if he’s been able to showcase his talent, Douglas replied, “Last year. Not yet this year.”

Starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett was asked on WEEI about Douglas’ comments.

“I’m glad he’s frustrated. If he wasn’t, that would be more alarming than him not getting the ball to be honest to you,” Brissett said, via Boston.com. “You just explain it to him, you’re going to have those games where it happens like that.

“It’s the second game of the year. We’re still trying to figure out our identity and how this thing is going to play out as far as the offense. It’s a long season ahead. I told him, man, there’s 15 games left … it’s a lot of football ahead of us. Obviously, we’re still getting better as a whole, individually, as an offense. I’m glad he’s frustrated, but I’ll see how he uses the frustration the right way.”

The Patriots’ offensive struggles aren’t a surprise early in the season. The club entered with major questions on the offensive line, which has hindered the passing attack. Through two games, Brissett has thrown for a combined 270 yards and one touchdown. Tight end Hunter Henry has been by far the most prolific pass catcher with 127 yards on 10 catches — No. 2 in yardage is fellow TE Austin Hooper with three grabs for 36 yards.

No New England wideout has caught more than four passes, with K.J. Osborn leading the receiver room with four catches for 28 yards. The Pats’ top four wideouts have combined for 85 yards and 11 catches through two weeks. There are 46 individual receivers in the NFL with more than 85 yards through two games.

Brissett acknowledged that he has to be better at getting Douglas and others the ball more, starting Thursday night against the New York Jets.

“Obviously, he’s a dynamic player. And me as the quarterback, I have to find ways to get him the ball. But it’s definitely something that we’re looking at,” Brissett said. “I don’t want to get into the overreaction thing about why this or that is not happening. It’s the second game of the season. But, we gotta find ways to get him the ball. He’s that good of a player.

“Honestly, we gotta find ways to get a lot of our skill players the ball, and get them more involved in the game. So yeah, I gotta take responsibility for that.”