Mike Vrabel Salutes Patriots’ DeMario Douglas After Huge Day Vs. Falcons

Mike Vrabel Salutes Patriots’ DeMario Douglas After Huge Day Vs. Falcons
New England Patriots - NESN.com New England Patriots - NESN.com

Every week, it seems a different receiver goes off for the New England Patriots.

In Week 9, it was DeMario Douglas.

The third-year wideout had four catches for 100 yards and a touchdown in a thrilling 24-23 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Douglas’ 17-yard touchdown came in the first quarter, and he was one of five Patriots with multiple receptions in the win.

Add him to the list of Patriots taking steps forward this season, fellow wideout Kayshon Boutte among the others. Those two, along with Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins, have helped turn the unit into a massive strength — something unfathomable this time last year.

Vrabel had plenty of praise for the 24-year-old Liberty product after the game.

“We’ve got to keep finding Pop,” Vrabel said, via a team-provided transcript. “You always look, and when Pop doesn’t have the ball and somebody else does, he’s turning and blocking and doing all the things that we ask him to do to protect our identity.

“We have to continue to find him on some of these runaways or some of these slot plays that are really good for him. I love having him on the team. He’s fun to coach. He sits right up front, and he’s always into it. Great teammate. Always happy for his success.”

Douglas’ other touchdown this season came in the Week 6 win over the New Orleans Saints.