Despite Bill Belichick not calling it a benching, it certainly seemed like that’s what happened to rookie wide receiver Demario Douglas Sunday night against the Miami Dolphins. After a first quarter fumble, Douglas wasn't seen from on offense the rest of the game.
While Belichick blamed it on the rest of the skill players having strong production, offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien explained the lack of Douglas was due to New England’s personnel packages and game plan.
“Ball security’s obviously a huge part of what we preach,” O’Brien told reporters Tuesday on a video call.