Who will lead the Patriots in receiving touchdowns in 2022?
Who will lead the Patriots in receiving touchdowns in 2022?
The New England Patriots appear to have a seemingly stacked wide receiver chart this year – a statement that’s not usually said in the same sentence. In this position stands Kendrick Bourne and Jakobi Meyes (Mac Jones’ favorite targets last year), newly acquired veteran DeVante Parker, returning receiver Nelson Agholor, and rookie Tyquan Thornton.
So who will be the one to lead the team in receiving touchdowns?
Jakobi Meyers will lead the Patriots in receiving touchdowns in 2022.
Jakobi Meyers proved to be a beneficial player to the Patriots’ offense in 2021. Meyers logged 83 receptions for 866 yards and two touchdowns (via ESPN). He was targeted a total of 126 times.
Meyers has been a reliable receiver for Mac Jones this year in pre-season, as he’s been the leading receiver through two weeks of camp. He has been a steadfast option amongst the ample weapons Jones has to target downfield.
Receptions leaders (from Mac Jones) through 14 days of camp
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) August 22, 2022
Jakobi Meyers 35
Jonnu Smith 23
Nelson Agholor 19
DeVante Parker 19
Hunter Henry 17
Damien Harris 16
Rhamondre Stevenson 15
Ty Montgomery 12
Kendrick Bourne 10
Tyquan Thornton 8
Tre Nixon 5
JJ Taylor 3
Jakobi Meyers’ staying power is impressive.
— Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) August 24, 2022
Last year, the Patriots signed Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne. Their best receiver in training camp: Meyers
This year, they trade for DeVante Parker and draft Tyquan Thornton in Rd 2. Their best receiver in training camp: Meyers
This is what gives Meyers an edge over the other receivers. These two seem to read each other well and communicate to nail their plays. When asked about Meyers, Mac Jones was quoted in saying,
"“We see the game the same way, sometimes without even talking about it… hopefully we can grow together here. He’s just a tough, smart football player. I’ll take him on my team – forever, hopefully.” (via Mark Daniels)"
This is important to the offense. With Mac going into his second year leading the Patriots’ offense, it’s crucial for him to have a receiver he can really trust. If this is any indication of what’s to come during the season, the Jones-Meyers connection is going to be a lethal one.
Meyers has moved into the Patriots’ #1 receiver slot. This puts some pressure on #16 to get the job done, but Bill seems more than confident in him to do so. Last year, he led the team in receptions in the wide receiver spot but only produced two touchdowns. This year, he has been preparing more and working closely with Jones. He is predicted to have far more scores this season.
Kendrick Bourne is right on Meyers’ heels as far earning Jones’ trust downfield. This will be an interesting battle between these two – but an exciting one for Patriots fans to watch.
Patriots football kicks off on September 11. Will Meyers score a touchdown in this season opener? We’ll have to watch to find out.