A consistent pattern showed itself to be prevalent throughout the 2025 NFL season for the New England Patriots.
Hunter Henry and DeMario Douglas were the two players that most often broke the game open for New England last season. Henry scored the first touchdown of the game for the Patriots four times in 2025. Douglas did so three times.
Henry and Douglas will once again be key contributors in the Patriots’ passing attack in 2026. Henry will be behind A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs in the pecking order next season, while Douglas is in line for an increased role in the offense, though he’ll have many receivers, also including Kayshon Boutte and Mack Hollins, to compete with for targets.
Given Hunter being a big target for Maye in the passing game and having great chemistry with the AP NFL MVP runner-up, he’s sure to be a reliable option for New England in scoring situations in 2026. Douglas’ status as the Patriots’ fifth option last season did not prevent him from being looked to with regularity early in games to put the team on the board, and likely will not deter Maye from looking his way next season.
Brown did score first for the Eagles three times last season, as did Doubs for the Packers. Both star wide receivers will demand the bulk of the targets in the offense next season, but with 17 games to play in the regular season, Henry and Douglas will have their chances to score the first touchdown for New England as well.
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