Alex Van Pelt’s Offense Could Challenge Patriots’ Record-Breaker
The New England Patriots’ wide receiver corps lacks many game-changers, but DeMario Douglas stands out after a record-setting rookie season. As Douglas enters his second year, his potential breakout depends on adapting to the complex schemes of new coordinator Alex Van Pelt’s offense.
Chad Graff of The Athletic highlighted the issue, pointing out the “uncertainty about how he’ll (Douglas) fit into a scheme like Alex Van Pelt’s that utilizes more downfield passing and jumbo packages.”
Van Pelt’s offense often limits three-wide-receiver sets, meaning the Patriots might only use two receivers on the field. It’s unclear if the coaches view Douglas as one of those primary receivers rather than just a slot option.
Two additional factors might hinder Douglas in the new system led by former Cleveland Browns play-caller Van Pelt. Nonetheless, the talented and productive sixth-round pick from the 2023 NFL draft could still find ways to get significant playing time despite these challenges.
Van Pelt’s Offense Needs Different Receiver Profile
Douglas, a remnant of the Bill Belichick era, thrived in Belichick’s system that favored small, quick receivers excelling in option routes and underneath plays. He shone as a rookie, logging 274 snaps in the slot according to Player Profiler.
One standout play was his catch against the Buffalo Bills in Week 7, highlighted by Matt Waldman of Football Guys. Plays like these helped Douglas set a rookie record for yards under Belichick. However, these plays aren’t emphasized in Van Pelt’s system, which prefers bigger receivers who can exploit size and speed mismatches on the perimeter. Examples include 6-foot-1, 211-pound Amari Cooper and 6-foot-2, 204-pound Donovan Peoples-Jones.
As Graff noted, Douglas doesn’t quite fit this mold: “The X-factor for Douglas will probably be the same thing year after year until he shows he can withstand the big hits that come in the NFL. Calling him undersized puts it mildly.”
Douglas, at 5-foot-8 and 192 pounds, may struggle to outmuscle coverage. Size isn’t the only issue; Graff also mentioned concerns about whether Douglas is the ideal fit for Van Pelt’s scheme, which emphasizes “downfield passing and jumbo packages.” These concepts require larger personnel, posing potential issues for Douglas in formations.
The concern is based on the fact that “for most teams, the slot receiver is a de facto starter because most teams base things out of 11 personnel with three receivers on the field. But Van Pelt has hinted that’s not what the Patriots are going to do.”
While there are many reasons why Douglas might see less playing time, there’s also a compelling case for why the Patriots need him.
DeMario Douglas: A Playmaker the Patriots Need
The Patriots shouldn’t focus on Douglas adjusting to Van Pelt’s scheme but rather ensure Van Pelt adapts the playbook to fit Douglas. Douglas is a natural playmaker capable of dissecting defenses in various ways, as demonstrated when he consistently beat the Bills on the edges as both a runner and receiver, according to NFL Network’s Kendell Hollowell.
A similar strategy worked against the Bills again in Week 17, highlighted by Taylor Kyles of Patriots on CLNS. These simple play designs fully leverage Douglas’ open-field skills, easing the quarterback’s task. This is crucial after the Patriots selected Drake Maye with the third pick in the 2024 NFL draft as their future franchise QB.
Although Maye isn’t expected to start immediately, he will need a reliable chain-mover like Douglas. Fortunately, Graff reported that Douglas “was the Patriots’ best wide receiver during spring practices,” consistently making tough catches and emerging as the team’s top playmaker on offense.
Van Pelt should focus on finding more ways to involve Douglas while relying on veterans like Kendrick Bourne and K.J. Osborn, along with rookies Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker, to win on the outside.
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