The New England Patriots have recorded just two 100-yard games from wide receivers after four weeks of play. Although it's more than the Patriots are accustomed to seeing from the group, it's just not enough production from the position, highlighting the need for major improvements.
With Kayshon Boutte's performance in Week 1 (103 yards), along with what Stefon Diggs provided the offense in Week 4 (101 yards), it marks the first time in three years that the Patriots have two 100-yard games from different receivers in the same season. It was last accomplished in 2022 by Jakobi Meyers and Kendrick Bourne.
So far through the first four weeks, New England has attempted 124 passes with 61 targets going to the wide receivers. With that said, the Patriots' wide receivers account for 43 receptions for 453 yards and four touchdowns this season. However, that production has largely been reliant upon only two players, with Boutte and Diggs totaling 29 receptions on 37 targets for 378 yards combined.
This production from a wide receiver duo ranks near the bottom of the league despite Drake Maye having the best completion percentage in the NFL (74.0%) and the sixth-most passing yards after four weeks (988).
I’m beginning to wonder if there are too many options for Maye to navigate in the structured offense, and if that’s why the production numbers seem to be distributed more evenly as Maye spreads it around the field to the open man.
New England has operated out of 11 and 12 personnel the most over the first four games of the season, which can be advantageous if it includes the right player groupings at the right moments.
- 11 personnel (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WR): 116 plays (47.93%)
- 12 personnel (1 RB, 2 TE, 2 WR): 92 plays (38.02%)
We already established that Diggs and Boutte are the leading wide receivers in terms of targets and yards gained. Interestingly enough, though, it’s Boutte and Mack Hollins who are on the field the most at the wide receiver position, as they hold the highest percentage of offensive snaps. So, although Boutte is on the field the most, his overall targets don’t reflect that fact. That said, Boutte and Hollins are on the field the most as the best blockers at the position capable of assisting with opening up the run game.
- Kayshon Boutte: 191 snaps (75.20%)
- Mack Hollins: 147 snaps (57.87%)
- Stefon Diggs: 141 snaps (55.51%)
- DeMario Douglas: 97 snaps (38.19%)
- Kyle Williams: 40 snaps (15.75%)
What I find most concerning is the inconsistent way that the wide receivers are being targeted on a game-to-game basis. I don’t think it’s taking a shot at Maye by saying that, but rather the wide receivers themselves and maybe even the offensive game plan.
Wide Receiver Targets Per Game:
- Week 1: 25 targets 5 to WRs (16 receptions)
- Week 2: 9 targets to 4 WRs (7 receptions)
- Week 3: 16 targets to 5 WRs (12 receptions)
- Week 4: 11 targets to 3 WRs (8 receptions)
Running Back Targets Per Game:
- Week 1: 10 targets to 3 RBs
- Week 2: 8 targets to 3 RBs
- Week 3: 6 targets to 2 RBs
- Week 4: 3 targets to 2 RBs
Tight End Targets Per Game:
- Week 1: 9 targets to 2 TEs
- Week 2: 6 targets to 2 TEs
- Week 3: 14 targets to 2 TEs
- Week 4: 3 targets to 2 TEs
At this point, it’s worth examining how well the wide receivers are getting off the line, their footwork and route-running, and their ability to create separation to garner the receptions needed to produce more for the offense.
As you can see, the wide receiver targets are trending upwards, while the targets to the running backs are decreasing. Targets are also evening out among the tight ends.
It should be noted that Austin Hooper (55.12%) is on the field just as much as Diggs and much more than DeMario Douglas. Further proving New England's reliance on the TE position as part of its offense, Hooper and Hunter Henry have more snaps combined (354) than Boutte and Diggs (332).
Now, this is exactly how the Josh McDaniels system operates: from pass distribution, two tight end sets, checking down when the first read isn’t open, and featuring the running backs in the passing game. These are all elements of the McDaniels system that fans are accustomed to seeing, while also adding a new twist with Maye under center.
After crunching the numbers and combing through the advanced stats, the Patriots likely won’t have a true No. 1 wide receiver this season. Instead, they'll likely need to rely on a committee of players that together will make up a well-functioning, smooth-running offensive system. Fortunately, they seem to have the pieces in place to get that done.