It’s been widely known across the NFL that the Patriots offense has never necessarily needed the “number one” wide receiver that so many teams covet in this new age of NFL. They thrived on balance between the run and pass game while having receivers who could get in and out of breaks quickly and also being able to read the defense just as well as their quarterback. This year, Devante Parker’s insertion to the offense could be the key.
This year however, the Patriots are changing their offense and thinking differently for this year. When they traded for Devante Parker back in April, they told the NFL world two things. First, that the N’Keal Harry draft pick was the worst pick Belichick has made in his career. Second, in order to compete in the division and the conference, the number one receiver role had to be filled. Devante Parker surely isn’t on the same level as the Davante Adams and Stefon Diggs of the world, but there is no doubt that just his ability to stay on the field will not only help Mac Jones’ development, but will give the offense more room to succeed.
In the years that Devante Parker played 14 or more games, his numbers showed the following:
2015: 50 Targets, 26 Rec, 494 Yds, 3 TD’s (Parker’s Rookie Year)
2016: 87 Targets, 56 Rec, 744 Yds, 4 TD’s
2019: 128 Targets, 72 Rec, 1,202 Yds, 9 TD’s (Pro Bowl)
2020: 103 Targets, 63 Rec, 793 Yds, 4 TD’s
Between these years that Parker proved he could stay on the field, he averaged 67 Targets, 54 Rec, 808 Yds, and 5 TD’s. Those numbers in comparison to the entire Patriots offense last year would’ve been, 2nd, 3rd, 2nd, and T-2nd.
The Patriots offense was consistently rated by analysts and beat writers as one of the least talented in the league. Even now, with the club not naming an offensive coordinator, voices around the league continue to question Belichick and his thought process with regard to this season. Simply put, for the offense to succeed, Mac Jones needs a receiver who can win. He needs someone who can win one on one battles, catch the jump balls, and occupy another team’s best corner. Mac already has the ability to read defenses at a ridiculously high rate. With Parker’s availability, it will give Mac the chance to spread the ball around even more than he’s already shown.
