Act II Revival: Romeo Doubs Responds in Week 2

Romeo Doubs’ first game as a Patriot did not go as anyone hoped. After signing a four-year, $80 million contract this offseason, he was expected to help elevate New England’s receiver room. Instead, against Seattle, he was only targeted three times and failed to reel in any passes thrown his way.

His second game was a different story, and Mike Vrabel had the receiver’s back during his post-game press conference. “You guys just don’t see him all the time. You guys see the drops and the easy ones. Rome got back to work. [He] worked extremely hard,” said Vrabel.

The tables turned for Doubs in a major way in Week 2. After revealing he wasn’t locked in enough during his post-game media availability, Doubs caught 3 passes for 96 yards, including a 63-yard catch-and-run that brought the crowd at Gillette Stadium to its feet.

Future Outlook

Given his career so far, Doubs’ Week 2 performance is a sign of things to come. Before signing with New England, he put up at least 45 catches and 600 yards per season over the last three seasons in a crowded Packers receiver room. With no clear No. 1, there was no pecking order as to who would be targeted most.

Following the loss of A.J. Brown, who is expected to be out for the next few weeks with a high right ankle sprain, New England needs Doubs to get back to his old self. Having a consistent target for Drake Maye will be paramount.

Through two games, the Patriots’ defense has been elite. After allowing 13 points to the Seattle Seahawks‘ backup quarterback, Drew Lock, during their banner-raising home opener, they gave up only a field goal to the Aaron Rodgers-led Steelers. New England’s next two matchups are on the road against Trevor Lawrence’s Jaguars and Josh Allen’s Bills.

Both of these games could turn into an offensive shootout, and Maye needs to know which receivers he can trust to be able to score enough points to match the opposition.

Week 2 against Pittsburgh was a step in the right direction for Romeo Doubs at a critical point. Even though the season is young, the Patriots are searching for ways to replace Brown’s elite production. And while there is not one player who can replace him 1-for-1, Doubs consistently producing at his Week 2 level will go a long way as New England looks ahead to one of its toughest stretches of games.