FOXBOROUGH - The Patriots had one of the NFL’s top offenses last season. They ranked third in total offense (379.4 yards per game) and were second in scoring, averaging 28.8 points per game.
One area Drake Maye & Co. didn’t master?
The red zone.
They were 20th in scoring from the money area.
Two reasons why that statistic is going to improve by leaps and bounds?
There’s nothing quite like having a couple of tall, contested catch machines down by the end zone. Brown is 6-foot-1, Doubs is 6-foot-2, and both are adept at jumping over pesky cornerbacks to reel in the ball.
Add in Mack Hollins (6-foot-4), along with tight ends Hunter Henry (6-foot-5) and Eli Raridon (6-foot-6), and Maye’s receivers can match their collective catch radius with anyone.
“That’s certainly a benefit … where somebody’s god given height, weight, speed, whatever it might be, size can help you in those types of areas,” Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels said Sunday when asked about his group. “Whether it be third down, or in the red area, we’re trying to use all the different things we have. Whether that’s quickness by some people, speed, size … hopefully we’re putting the guys that have those traits in the right positions to have a chance to be successful and make an impact. Because there’s no greater part of the field for us to focus on, and try to improve, than (the red zone).”
Signs of progress have already been on display.
Over the course of the first three weeks of camp, the Patriots have spent a lot of time in the red zone. On Saturday, the low red zone (10 yards in) was a significant focus.
Doubs put on a clinic. First up, during a 7-on-7 drill, he beat Carlton Davis to the back corner of the end zone, then extended for a perfectly thrown ball by Maye and toe-tapped to keep his feet in bounds. Later, during 11-on-11s, with his back to the goal line, he reached up and over cornerback Charles Woods, and literally snatched the ball from just above the defender’s helmet. Two plays, and Doubs’ red zone skill set was on full display.
“I think everything’s an art. I think the game of football’s an art,” Doubs said Saturday following the padded practice. “Just from a two-minute situation to a short-yardage situation, red zone. You know, all of those things obviously have a specific artistry in this game. Process is very different, and you know, everything in the red area moves pretty fast, and that’s just part of the experience.”
After getting off to a slow start while learning a new offense, Doubs has really started to come on. He looks a lot more comfortable than he did at the start of camp, and is finding his chemistry with Maye.
Davis believes the former Packer will be a difference-maker for the offense.
“He’s a great receiver,” Davis said. “He’s got strong hands, quick, quick feet, quick releases. He’s gonna be a great player for us this year.”
During Saturday’s workout, Doubs hauled in three touchdowns, Hollins had two, while Brown and Kyle Williams also found the end zone during team periods.
With the joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on tap this week, it’ll be interesting to see how the group fares overall, but especially in red-zone work.
No doubt, Brown will want to put on some fireworks against his former team. And Doubs will want to continue his ascent.
Receivers coach Todd Downing loves the group, and the skill sets of his players.
Doubs? What makes him such a good red zone target?
Downing used a basketball analogy.
“I think his ability to play above the rim,” Downing said, speaking with reporters on Sunday. “He’s a very strong player. He’s not going to get bumped off his route very easily. And he’s got a good football IQ, so he understands where he’s supposed to fit in a certain (route) concept.
“Sometimes, you might not be first in the read, or first in the progression, but it’s just as important that you get to your landmark with the proper timing and spacing. He’s been doing a nice job with that and obviously, had some red zone success in his career.”
Of Doubs’ 23 regular-season touchdowns, 20 came in the red zone.
Both Doubs and Brown come with exceptional jump ball skills. They’re able to high-point the ball in traffic.
Kyle Williams has been marveling at both of them. But watching Doubs on Saturday was special.
“I’m just seeing the dude float up to the moon, for real,” Williams said. “Honestly, it’s so special to watch a guy who doesn’t really talk too much, but his game does all the talking. For him to make those plays, and it’s consistent. It awes you, but at the same time, it’s what we expect to do in our receiver room.”
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