New England Patriots: Phillip Dorsett due for big game vs. Denver Broncos
Phillip Dorsett is a player to watch in New England’s Week 10 matchup with the Denver Broncos.
The addition of Phillip Dorsett to the New England Patriots’ offense has been pretty anticlimactic.
New England acquired Dorsett in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts prior to the start of the regular season in exchange for quarterback Jacoby Brissett.
While expectations for the former first-round pick were set relatively low, Dorsett’s managed just four catches for 85 yards in eight games this season.
Dorsett’s best game as a Patriot came in Week 2 versus the New Orleans Saints when he had three catches for 68 yards along with one rush for seven yards. Since then, Dorsett has hauled in one pass for 17 yards.
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If fellow wide receiver Chris Hogan is ruled out for New England’s Week 10 matchup with the Denver Broncos, Dorsett could see a bigger role in the Patriots’ offense.
Hogan suffered an apparent shoulder injury against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 8 and initial reports suggested the ailment would keep him “out a few weeks.” With Hogan sidelined, Dorsett would default to the Patriots’ third wide receiver spot behind Brandin Cooks and Danny Amendola.
On Monday, NESN’s Zack Cox reported that Dorsett was “putting in extra work” with wide receivers coach Chad O’Shea.
Josh McDaniels says Phillip Dorsett has been putting in extra work with WRs coach Chad O'Shea. Dorsett has just four catches this season.
— Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) November 6, 2017
During his Tuesday press conference, head coach Bill Belichick commented on Dorsett’s transition from Indianapolis’ offense to New England’s, saying:
"“Phil’s gotten better every week. We’ve expanded his role and scope, things that he’s learning and areas that he’s responsible for every week. He’s a smart kid. He works hard. He’s making progress.” Belichick continued his praise, adding, “he’s smart. He catches the ball well.”"
Despite starting at wide receiver versus the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7, Dorsett’s played just eight snaps in each of New England’s last two games. He played a season-high 32 snaps against the Saints in Week 2, a game that saw Rob Gronkowski, Chris Hogan, and Rex Burkhead exit due to injury.
Dorsett posted 51 catches for 753 yards and three touchdowns in 26 games with the Colts from 2015 to 2016. He also clocked a 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the 2015 Scouting Combine.
Next: Stephon Gilmore expects to return vs. Broncos
Be sure to keep an eye on the speedy wide receiver when the Patriots play the Broncos this Sunday.