The New England Patriots (7-2) will take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-2) this afternoon in Florida at 1 P.M. The team will be without running back Rhamondre Stevenson (toe), wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (hamstring), and linebacker Christian Elliss (hip).
Boutte’s absence could be a major factor in the receiver room. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has developed a strong connection with Boutte dating back to the 2024 season, often relying on him as his go-to target. The Maye-to-Boutte deep ball has been highly effective this year. According to Pro Football Focus, Boutte is one of only three receivers in the NFL to earn a perfect PFF deep-field receiving grade. All five of his receiving touchdowns this season have come on deep throws from Maye. With Boutte sidelined, rookie Kyle Williams will have big shoes to fill against the Buccaneers.
Williams, a third-round pick in this past April’s draft out of Washington State, entered his rookie season with solid expectations. While he hasn’t been targeted often this year, the Patriots will need to get him more involved in the offense in Boutte’s absence. Maye already has strong chemistry with Mack Hollins, Stefon Diggs, and Boutte, but now he’ll need to build that same trust with Williams. So far this season, Williams has just two receptions for 20 yards on six targets. Drafting and developing wide receivers has been a long-standing challenge for New England dating back to the later years of Bill Belichick’s tenure, but eventually something has to click.
It’ll be worth watching today to see if Maye continues leaning on his veteran receivers and tight ends or if he starts giving Williams more opportunities. Losing Boutte for the foreseeable future could limit Maye’s deep passing options beyond his most trusted targets. Head coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels would be wise to let Williams showcase what he can do. It’s definitely something to keep an eye on as the game progresses.
My name is Kenneth Matias and I am an aspiring sports journalist that has great sports knowledge and follow the New England Patriots and the NFL landscape very closely.
