Distractions from Patriots receivers need to end now before it's too late

It's no secret that the wide receiver room of the Patriots contains more drama than that of an episode of "The Young and the Restless." Yes, the NFL has had its share of prima donna wide receiver rooms over the last generation, with guys like Michael Irvin and Randy Moss coming to mind.

But the difference with the group occupying the Patriots' locker room is that the talent just isn't top-notch. With the team sitting at a dismal 2-7 through nine games, the receivers are clearly putting more energy into their Instagram stories than into helping their young quarterback win games.

Things were no different in Sunday's 20-17 overtime loss to the Titans in Tennessee. The Patriots' leading pass-catcher wasn't a receiver, but tight end Hunter Henry (7 catches, 58 yards). Drake Maye's one touchdown pass went to running back Rhamondre Stevenson.

The receiving corps has combined for three touchdown receptions, and no wideout has found the end zone more than once.

When you're trying to develop a young, talented quarterback such as Maye, that's a problem. It would be better to see an improvement of their on-field production dominating the headlines instead of the latest negativity that's being posted on their social media accounts.

Patriots receivers need to re-focus their priorities for the rest of the 2024 season

Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt - who deserves just as much blame as anyone else - has done his share of calling guys out. However, the list of players airing their grievances online is quite lengthy and has only continued to grow as the weeks pass.

Ja'Lynn Polk and K.J. Osborn took to Instagram to vent after the Patriots' loss to the Jaguars in London. Rookie Javon Baker hasn't registered a catch through nine games, and Tyquan Thornton has been invisible, and probably won't be in Foxboro after this season.

DeMario Douglas has been a bright spot, and he had seven catches on nine targets against Tennessee, while Kendrick Bourne, working his way back from a torn ACL, had four catches on eight targets Sunday, doubling his season total. Kayshon Boutte can potentially be the deep threat the Patriots have not had since Moss was here from 2007-10. He just needs to be more consistent.

The receiving group was not horrible against Tennessee but clearly has a long way to go. Bourne needs to be more of a voice in the locker room and set an example as a veteran, and remind guys like Douglas, Boutte and Polk that games are won on Sundays by producing, not by posting cryptic messages on Instagram.

These young guys are part of the Patriots' future, so they need to keep letting their play do the talking.

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