The Patriots begin their post-Bill Belichick era on Sunday when they travel to Cincinnati to take on the Bengals in Week 1 of the 2024 season. New England isn't necessarily poised to win many games without any elite offensive weapons or bona fide defensive stars on the roster. Still, a few players have the potential to have a breakout season and keep the Patriots out of the proverbial cellar.
With the new regime of head coach Jerod Mayo, offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington taking the reins, everyone will most likely have an opportunity to become household names by the end of the season on both ends of the ball.
Here are four players who could break out this season:
DeMario Douglas
Douglas was one of the few bright spots for the 4-13 Patriots last season. He led New England in receiving yards (561), making 49 catches on 79 targets. Although he didn't score a single touchdown, Douglas was one of the few players on the offensive side of the ball who jumped off the screen. He should serve as the Patriots' primary receiver, which sets the stage for him to become a high-volume outlet for starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett, and he should lead the team in receiving yards and receptions for the second straight season.
Ja'Lynn Polk
The 2024 second-round pick came to New England "ready to make plays" and is poised to burst on the scene as one of the Patriots' top targets behind Douglas. Van Pelt feels Polk has "unbelievable ball skills" and said the rookie wideout is a competitor who "does the dirty work in the run game." His versatility gives the Patriots offense more options if New England's offensive line continues to struggle like it has during the preseason.
Christian Gonzalez
Gonzalez's rookie campaign was cut short when the cornerback suffered a torn labrum in early October. Before the season-ending injury, Gonzalez displayed the makings of a shutdown corner. He totaled 17 tackles and a sack, broke up three passes and recorded one interception in four games with the Patriots against some of the NFL's top-tier wide receivers, such as Philadelphia Eagles' DeVonta Smith, Dallas Cowboys' CeeDee Lamb, Miami Dolphins' Tyreek Hill and New York Jets' Garrett Wilson. Gonzalez will be put to the test immediately in Week 1 when he's tasked with defending Cincinnati Bengals duo Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
Keion White
White should see more playing time in his sophomore campaign with the Patriots defense. In his rookie season, White recorded 26 tackles (21 solo), one sack, broke up three passes and had five quarterback hits when he played 49% of the defensive snaps in 16 games for New England. White's versatility allows him to play on both the interior and the edge.
