Josh McDaniels' tweak is turning overlooked Patriot into real difference maker

The shuffling in the New England Patriots' wide receiver room has lent itself to some surprises: Kayshon Boutte has become one of the league's premier deep threats, Mack Hollins is having one of the best stretches of his career, and the ACL tear hasn't seemed to affect Stefon Diggs.

Of all the receiver storylines, one of the more notable elements is the changing of Pop Douglas's role. Historically, he was one of the offense's more talented wideouts, and because of that, he retained the slot receiver role almost exclusively. He had 115 catches for 1,182 yards and three touchdowns in his first two seasons, but this year was relegated to the depth chart rather early.

He had only two catches from seven targets in his first game, and oddly enough, totaled -2 yards but also had a touchdown. He played 63% of offensive snaps in that game, and has since eclipsed 28% of offensive snaps in a game only once.

Stefon Diggs' slot snaps increased through the year as the team grew to opt for Kayshon Boutte and Mack Hollins as the outside options, and Douglas's role continued to lessen.

Pop Douglas has found his niche in the Patriots offense

While it may not have been what he imagined, Douglas has found a new and unexpected role as a chain mover and run after catch threat. 14 of his 24 catches this year have been for first downs, a 58.3% rate that bests the rates of his previous two seasons (53% and 46.9%).

Aside from his chain-moving ability, Douglas has been a more impressive deep threat than he ever has before. He's matched his career touchdown total in twelve games this year, and his longest reception has been 25 yards or longer in six games.

With him now able to work against most teams' third and fourth cornerbacks, he's excelled and is far too quick for safeties or linebackers to stick with him in base defenses. While it was no doubt disappointing for him to see his snap count drop initially, Douglas has found a nice niche within the offense as a chain mover and slot deep threat.

His 24 catches have resulted in 369 yards and a trio of touchdowns, while ranking 16th among receivers in yards per catch (min. 10 catches).

We see other teams utilize shifty slot receivers in a similar role to Douglas. Back in 2021, we saw Bills' Isaiah McKenzie torch the Patriots for 11 catches, 125 yards, and a touchdown. Each team has its version of Douglas, and no offense would be complete without a slot option that can get open quickly.

For a player who could have rolled over when the going got tough, Douglas is thriving in his role.