Everything that could've gone wrong for the New England Patriots in Week 1 went wrong. Not only did they fail to beat a Sam Darnold-less Seattle Seahawks, but they also lost star WR A.J. Brown for the next 4-6 weeks with an ankle injury.
Brown and Drake Maye had already teased their strong connection before his injury. He had three grabs on four targets for 26 yards against Seattle's elite defense, and as the team's most flamboyant offseason addition, he was supposed to be the focal point of the passing game.
Romeo Doubs should take that spot, but it'll take a collective effort to make up for his production. That's where a veteran like DeMario Douglas can go from the third guy in the pecking order to being this team's X-Factor.
DeMario Douglas can be the X-Factor in New England
With all eyes on Doubs, who still needs to earn Maye's trust and get a hold of Josh McDaniels' offense, Douglas might be the Patriots' best hope to stay ahead of the sticks. While not explosive, he's familiar with the quarterback and the system.
With Brown out, McDaniels will have to focus on what he does best. The Patriots must rely on quick-hitters and short and intermediate routes to get into a rhythm, and that's where their slot specialist can be handy.
Douglas' numbers in Week 1 weren't necessarily encouraging — he had just 20 receiving yards despite leading the team in receptions (5) and targets (7). That said, the Patriots' willingness to throw to him so often shows they trust him to make plays and keep the chains moving.
Mack Hollins isn't much more than a vertical threat, and Romeo Doubs, who can also do that, will likely draw the toughest matchup and the most eyeballs in Brown's absence. Douglas should be in for a high-usage role, making the most of his short-area burst and quick twitch.
The Patriots were about to feed Brown early and often, and that's exactly what they should do with their slot specialist. He's clearly not as physical or dominant as the former Philadelphia Eagles star, but he can also make things happen as a perennial YAC threat who'll make defenders miss.
The Patriots need A.J. Brown in January
At the end of the day, losing Brown was a huge blow, but it wasn't the only factor. As great a player as he is, he's missed time due to injuries throughout his career, including a playoff loss in 2023. In total, he's missed 12 games in his career.
Moreover, even if that weren't the case, the Patriots didn't trade for A.J. Brown to get through the regular season. He's a top-tier playmaker, and they just need him to get into a rhythm for the final stretch.
Maybe this is a blessing in disguise, and his absence will let everyone else step up and gain more confidence in the coming weeks. If Douglas steps up, they'll be patient with him and let him regain full strength before risking further injury.
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