Jakobi Meyers details the difference in his approach heading into Year 3
One of the more impressive stories among New England Patriots players is Jakobi Meyers’ rise on the depth chart.
Meyers, formerly a quarterback for NC State, is heading into his third season — one where he’s the top pass-catcher for the Patriots. Meyers finished last season with a team-high 81 targets, 59 receptions and 729 yards. He had the most first downs (37) and was by far the most reliable target for Cam Newton.
He’s now entering Year 3 with newfound confidence and he discussed the personal growth he’s had during Thursday’s press conference.
“He knows what he’s doing,” Meyers said, transcribed by NESN. “That first year, I was just trying to survive, honestly. Just trying to make the roster every day. I would come in every day just feeling like it could be the day I lose my job. Now I’m a little bit, I wouldn’t wanna say comfortable, but I know what I’m doing, but I feel like I still got a lot to prove. I feel like I’m in a good spot and I’m exactly where I want to be.”
He then detailed the specific feeling of his first year in Foxborough.
“I feel like I was playing keep up,” Meyers said. “I had a lot of great guys in front of me, my first year I could name some potential Hall of Famers. (I was) just trying to keep up with them, the level they established for me, having Troy (Brown) in the room, the level he established for all of us. It was just, at first it was a little hard to keep up with and maintain that expectation. But I feel like I’m starting to figure it out a little bit, and hopefully one day, I can reach the levels that they reach.”
The Patriots will face the Miami Dolphins in Week 1 with the receiver depth consisting of Meyers, Nelson Agholor, Kendrick Bourne and Gunner Olszewski. Out of those receivers, Mac Jones will likely rely on Meyers the most.
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