Patriots' unheralded weapon is dominating matchups no one expected

The New England Patriots made wholesale changes to the offense this offseason, and the wide receiver position was no exception. Stefon Diggs was inked to a three-year deal, Mack Hollins was reunited with Josh McDaniels from their Vegas days, and Kyle Williams was selected No. 69 overall.

Each have made impacts in different ways, but it was a holdover from the Belichick and Mayo regimes that has blossomed into the Patriots' No. 2 option: Kayshon Boutte.

A five-star recruit coming out of high school, Boutte was the No. 1 player from his home state of Louisiana. He stayed local, playing three seasons at LSU before declaring for the draft. His collegiate production was modest: after an encouraging 735-yard freshman season, he'd total just over 1,000 across the next two years.

After being selected by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, he would catch just two balls during his rookie year. He was quiet for the bulk of his sophomore campaign as well until he averaged 80 yards across his last three games, including a 117-yard performance in Week 18.

Across his first 12 games that season, he'd average just 23.3 yards per game.

Boutte's breakout came as the No. 2 option behind Stefon Diggs this season. Even with a change in role from a high-volume receiver to a deep threat, Boutte has been a game-changer. And despite a 32% drop in targets compared to '24, Boutte ranked fourth in yards per catch and doubled his touchdowns from a year ago.

Kayshon Boutte has come up big against some of the league's best this season

In two playoff games, he's totaled 141 yards and had an unbelievable one-handed touchdown catch against the Texans to put the game out of reach. Still just 23, the former five-star looks sure to have a bright future.

Sunday marked the second touchdown catch on a fellow LSU alum, Derek Stingley, in Boutte's career. Drake Maye's first career touchdown pass was an arcing pass to the right side of the endzone for a Boutte score against the Texans last season.

A difference of only eight yards and one hand separated the two touchdowns. Having deja vu would have been understandable given the duo's effort on Sunday afternoon, but this time, New England went home victorious.

The Patriots will need all the help they can get on offense against a strong Broncos defense. Pat Surtain II leads the unit, but their defensive backfield is deep. Talanoa Hufanga was a major free agent addition not long ago, while Ja'Quan McMillian's controversial interception led to the Bills' elimination from the playoffs.

They used the 20th pick on Jahdae Barron, and Riley Moss starts on the boundary. Add in that edge rushers Nik Bonitto and Jonathan Cooper combined for 22 sacks this year, and throwing the ball won't be easy.

Kayshon Boutte must win this mismatch in the AFC Championship Game

Stefon Diggs, despite notching a touchdown against the Texans, has largely been kept quiet this playoffs. Omit his seven-yard touchdown, and his five catches during the two playoff games have gone for just 49 yards. With Surtain in coverage, I wouldn't expect those numbers to change much in the AFCCG.

Boutte, however, will likely be covered by Moss. One of the most penalized defensive backs in the league, flags have been thrown on Moss 12 times this season, and he's allowed 60+ yards in coverage nine times this season. He's also allowed seven touchdowns.

With Surtain likely responsible for Diggs, and McMillian one of the league's better slot corners, Boutt winning his matchups against Moss may be what ensures New England makes it to their 12th Super Bowl.