Another week, another gut-wrenching loss for the New England Patriots. Just when you think things cannot get any worse for them, they go out and turn in easily their worst game of the season (which is saying something) in their 10-6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. To football fans in Germany who went out and saw this game, we're sorry. Football isn't always that bad.
This was easily one of the most pathetic performances in Patriots history, as New England once again torpedoed a game they easily could have won, and did so in dramatic fashion. Mac Jones was benched for Bailey Zappe on the potential game-winning drive, which obviously ended with Zappe throwing a moronic interception, and a pair of New England's starters in J.C. Jackson and Trent Brown didn't even make the trip to Germany for non-injury reasons.
The Patriots are a total mess, and if it wasn't clear, this is going to end in a full-scale rebuild that sees Bill Belichick out as the head coach, and Jones out as the quarterback, with both moves potentially happening as soon as this week. So rather than focusing on the negatives of what is surely bound to be an unpleasant time in New England, let's look at three players who are actually worth holding on to as this rebuild approaches.
Demario Douglas, WR
You've really got to dig to find positives when it comes to the Patriots offense, but their horrid production and depth at the wide receiver position has afforded Demario Douglas an extended run, and he's made the most of it. Douglas, who was selected in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft as the 210th overall pick, has become the Pats top wide receiver this season by default, but he's still showcased his extremely high potential.
With each passing game, Douglas' role in New England's offense expands, partially due to his strong play, and the fact that literally no one else on this roster can consistently get open for Jones. Douglas has solid numbers through nine games after not really playing early on in the year (30 REC, 361 YDS), and has proven that he can be a piece worth building around in the passing game over time.
Douglas should not be having to lead New England's wide-receiving corps as a rookie, but he's doing an admirable job, despite receiving considerable attention from opposing secondaries. Douglas is extremely shifty with the ball in his hands, and is a strong route-runner who can create separation in the blink of an eye. Douglas' growth as a rookie has been maybe the only positive development on offense for the Patriots this season, and he should be sticking around as a result.
Kyle Dugger, S
There's not much fun to be had watching the Patriots this season, but you can always count on Kyle Dugger to find a way to blow up at least one play each week, which is a nice reprise from the constant struggles everywhere else. Even in a lost season, Dugger has continued to evolve into one of the most versatile safeties in the league, and he is someone the Pats need to find a way to keep around.
Dugger has taken on a bigger role in the wake of Devin McCourty's retirement, and he's delivered through ten games (67 tackles, 2 INT, 4 PD, 1 sack, 5 TFL, 2 QB Hits). Dugger can cover a tight end one-on-one, blow up a running play, and then drop off into deep coverage in a span of three plays without a second thought. And even better, he typically does all of those things quite well.
Dugger is going to be a free agent after this season, and he is someone the Patriots need to invest in keeping around. Sure, they aren't good right now, but letting the talented safety walk for nothing is not something that is going to help them improve. Dugger should already be extended in all honesty, and his contract status is going to be one of the biggest items on New England's to-do list this upcoming offseason.
Christian Gonzalez, CB
Belichick's recent draft history is spotty at best, but it sure does look like he unearthed a superstar in Christian Gonzalez. Gonzalez only played in four games before suffering a torn labrum and a dislocated shoulder to end his season, but boy was he impressive. Pairing him up with Dugger will give New England a natural starting point when it comes to building this team back up.
After being selected as the 17th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Gonzalez immediately was a starter for the Patriots, and started off his career by locking down three of the best wide receivers in the game. A.J. Brown (7 REC, 79 YDS), Tyreek Hill (5 REC, 40 YDS, 1 TD), and Garrett Wilson (5 REC, 48 YDS) all had quiet days against Gonzalez, and if you think those numbers aren't impressive, go look at what Brown and Hill have done to other teams this season.
Gonzalez is an absolute weapon in the secondary, and it's telling that the Patriots season truly fell apart once he was forced out of their 38-3 loss to the Dallas Cowboys early with his season-ending ailments. At just 21 years old, Gonzalez is well on his way to becoming one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL if he can find his form again when healthy, and he should be locking up the best wide receivers while wearing a Patriots uniform for the foreseeable future.
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