Patriots Key Signing Accused of ‘Disappearing’

The New England Patriots suffered an ugly loss in the Week 1 game against the Miami Dolphins. The offense had some struggles in the preseason and these struggles continued in the first game of the regular season. NFL analysts discussed the Patriots performance and their loss and some of them were focused on one key signing.

Head coach Bill Belichick said everyone should blame him for the bad outcome. He wouldn’t place the blame on any of his assistants. Well, Andrew Callahan from The Boston Herald sure placed the blame on Parker. He called out the newly-signed veteran for “disappearing” on the football field. Oh yes, he had great words for Jakobi Meyers.

“Meyers not only led the Patriots in catches — predictable with Parker disappearing on Xavien Howard island — but blocked exceedingly well,” Callahan wrote. “He even erased two Dolphins on Agholor’s 17-yard screen in the first half.”

Patriots had high expectations for the key signing

The Patriots traded for Parker early in the offseason. Belichick sent a 2023 third-round pick and a 2022 fifth-rounder to the Miami Dolphins. It was supposed to be an efficient move and Parker received a nice role with the team. He established a good connection with Patriots players in the preseason and many thought he’d be the receiver Belichick wanted this whole time. It didn’t happen.

Where was Parker? He delivered just one reception for 9 yards. This was his first game against his former team, but that isn’t an excuse. Parker was supposed to do better.

Meyers was a bright star on the field last Sunday. He led the Patriots in receiving yards in the last couple of seasons and he will probably have another successful season. The veteran had 4 receptions for 55 yards. It wasn’t the best performance, but it was decent and the NFL world likes it.

Kendrick Bourne was another struggling player. He spent most of the game at the sideline and Belichick will have to find a solution to this problem. Bourne is a talented player, but things don’t work well for him at this point.