DeMario Douglas Expresses Frustration Over Lack of Touches

The Patriots’ offense isn’t being productive enough with its passing game, and its leading receiver from last season barely touched the ball.

Two weeks into the season, DeMario Douglas had two receptions for 12 yards, all in the season-opening win over Cincinnati. He finished Sunday’s loss to Seattle with zero receptions and zero targets.

The speedy Douglas, who tied for the team lead in BIG plays of 20 yards or more last season, has barely been used in an offense that is tied for last in the league in the same category this season.

He was asked in the locker room on Monday if he felt he had been able to show what he was capable of recently.

“Last year, not this year again,” he said.

Kendrick Bourne was the Patriots’ leading receiver last season before he injured his ACL, but after that, it was Douglas who was the team’s leading receiver. He led the team in receiving yards (561), targets and 20-plus yard receptions (6).

Douglas acknowledged the lack of targets Sunday was frustrating. He said he felt like he was getting open and the game film would show it. He said he was focused on staying ready for when the time comes.

“It’s very difficult, but let’s move on to the next game,” Douglas said.

Coach Jerod Mayo said the Patriots need to do a better job of generating big plays and it’s his responsibility to make sure they do.

“On offense, we have to find a way to move the ball down the field,” Mayo said. “We have to find a way to get the ball into the hands of our playmakers so they can go down the field and get yards. And that’s the responsibility of the coaches, starting with myself.”

Mayo, who played eight seasons for the Patriots before becoming a coach, said he understands that frustration is part of the game for players.

“All these guys in this locker room want to play football,” Mayo said. “All these guys want to help this team win. If they’re not frustrated, it’s a bigger problem. Every week, somebody’s going to be frustrated.”

“Every week you’re going to have to put more energy on one side of the ball or more energy on one individual than the other, just based on the matchups. If you’re not frustrated, that says a lot to me.”