FOXBOROUGH – Before kickoff of the Patriots-Houston Texans game, one receiver predicted he would score his first NFL touchdown. And during the game, some went up to the coach and asked him to throw the ball.
Both examples led to Demario ‘Pop’ Douglas and Kayshon Boots’ first NFL touchdowns on Sunday.
In Drake Maye’s first NFL start, Douglas and Boots spent their career years together, capping it off by reaching the end zone for the first time. For Douglas, that’s what he expected while warming up on the field at Gillette Stadium.
“The mic was on today,” Douglas said. “And I said today, I’m going to get my first touchdown. It was talked about and showed up as a presence. I read the defense and the guys I saw (coverage). After that, I was like, “Don’t fall this time, try not to fall this time.” Got into the end zone – first tow. ”
For Douglas, it was a long time coming. He had a great season as a rookie last year, becoming the most productive rookie receiver in the Bill Belichick era with 49 receptions and 561 yards. But the one thing he couldn’t do was catch a touchdown.
Things changed at 9:24 of the fourth quarter when May scored a 35-yard touchdown. Douglas also had six catches for a career-high 92 yards Sunday.
Boot didn’t expect to score a touchdown during warmups, but something about the way the Texans defended him gave him confidence. That’s why he approached the coaching staff on the sideline and asked them to adjust the play for him.
Boot completed a 40-yard touchdown pass 11 seconds into the game. He caught three passes and had a career-high 59 receiving yards.
“Going into the second quarter, we didn’t have the momentum that we had in the first quarter. We went three-and-out several times in a row,” Boot said. “Even when we’re not throwing deep, the defense starts sitting on routes. I went to the coach and said, ‘I’ve got to make a shot, I want the ball.’ It was an opportunity and it presented itself. Drake threw a great ball. Great pass from him. ”
The receiver left Gillette Stadium on Sunday feeling confident, even in the loss.
“I don’t like to lose, but I feel like the little spurts we’ve seen are going in the right direction,” Douglas said. “When I came out of the training room and looked at the clock, it was 4:44. Some of you may not believe it, but angel number 444 means you are moving in the right direction. I believe we are moving in the right direction. There may have been losses, but there is much to learn from them.”
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