Is JuJu Patriots' Best WR? Better than Jakobi?

Did the New England Patriots make the wrong decision in letting last season's leading receiver Jakobi Meyers walk in free agency in favor of JuJu Smith-Schuster?

After Week 1, it seems the Las Vegas Raiders got the better end of that decision. The former Patriot shined against the Denver Broncos, leading the team with nine receptions for 81 yards and two touchdowns. 

In stark contrast, Smith-Schuster looked like an afterthought in his Patriots debut, recording only four catches for 33 yards. He had a key drop, played the fewest snaps of any starting receiver and wasn't on the field for the team's two-minute drill with the game on the line.

This week comes a report from the Boston Herald, which revealed that the team does not see JuJu as one of its top-five "most effective pass catchers." But why? 

Callahan pointed to how the 26-year-old was forced to watch from the sidelines in the biggest moments against the Philadelphia Eagles, as both rookies Kayshon Boutte and Demario Douglas played instead of him. Callahan then pointed to the comments of Patriots receiver coach Ross Douglas, who explained the decision. 

"We just did what we thought was best to be able to move the ball and score points," Douglas said. 

While it is normal for teams to switch out receivers throughout the game to keep guys fresh, the coaching staff will ensure they have their best personnel on the field when the game is on the line. Judging by the Patriots' decision to have Smith-Schuster on the sidelines, it seems he is currently not viewed as one of their best, as Douglas's comments would suggest. 

The article lists Smith-Schuster's surgically repaired knee, which, in recent weeks, reports have said could "explode" at any time, as a potential reason for him not being trusted in Week 1. Additionally, the pre-existing chemistry between Mac Jones and his other veteran options, DeVante Parker and Kendrick Bourne, makes for an uphill battle. 

However, even with Parker inactive in the season-opener, Smith-Schuster's place on the depth chart still had him as a fourth option playing behind Bourne, Douglas, and Boutte. 

While things may change for Smith-Schuster in the games ahead, after all, it was just the first game, yet it is an early red flag. Meanwhile, Meyers is showing promise of giving the Raiders what they paid for.