DeMario Douglas expresses frustration, calls lack of touches ‘very challenging’

"Very challenging, but on to the next game," Douglas said.

The Patriots offense is not producing enough with its passing game, and its leading receiver from last season has barely touched the ball.

Two weeks into the season, DeMario Douglas has two catches for 12 yards, all of which came in the season-opening win against Cincinnati. He finished Sunday’s loss to Seattle with zero catches and zero targets.

The speedy Douglas, who tied for the team lead in BIG plays of 20 yards or more last season has been barely used in an offense that is tied for dead last in the league in the same category this season.

He was asked in the locker room on Monday if he feels he’s been able to show what he can do recently.

“Last year, not yet this year,” he said.

Kendrick Bourne was the Patriots’ most productive wideout last season before he went down with an ACL injury, but after that it was Douglas. He led the team in receiving yards (561), targets, and catches of 20-plus yards (6).

Douglas acknowledged that the lack of targets on Sunday was frustrating. He said he felt that he was getting open and that the game film would show it. He said he’s focused on staying ready for when his time comes.

“Very challenging, but on to the next game,” Douglas said.

Coach Jerod Mayo said the Patriots need to do a better job generating big plays and that it’s his responsibility to ensure it.

“One thing offensively, we’ve got to find a way to get the ball down the field,” Mayo said. “We’ve got to find a way to get the ball in our playmakers’ hands so those guys can go out there and make yards. And that’s on the coaches starting with myself.”

Mayo, who played eight seasons for the Patriots before becoming a coach, said he understands that frustration is part of the game for players.

“All of those guys in that locker room want to play football,” Mayo said. “All those guys want to help this team win. If they’re not frustrated then that’s a bigger problem. Every single week someone is going to be frustrated.

“Every single week you’re going to have to put more on one side of the ball than or more on one individual than the other just based on matchups alone. If you’re not frustrated, that to me just says a lot.”