Cory's Corner: Lean On Romeo Doubs

The 22-year-old is no longer just a rumor. He has arrived and will be a problem the rest of the season. 

I don’t really care who is playing quarterback for the Patriots. 

Sunday is a get right game for the Packers offense as it welcomes Bill Belichick back to Lambeau Field for the first time since 2014. 

But this matchup is starkly different. There will be no Tom Brady, instead it looks like backup Brian Hoyer will get the nod over Mac Jones who is nursing a high ankle sprain. 

“Look, I’ve played for 14 years,” Hoyer said, who is 16-23 in his career as a starter. I have a lot of bad memories. I have a lot of good memories, too. One game doesn’t define me. One play doesn’t define me. I’m excited for any opportunity I get to go play.”

This is where the Packers have to put it in fifth gear and let it fly. And the person to do that is none other than wide receiver Romeo Doubs. You watch him and he just doesn’t look like a rookie. He made his very first start last week vs. Tampa Bay and he had eight catches on eight targets for 73 yards and a touchdown. 

Those are solid numbers for a veteran, let alone a rookie that was drafted in the fourth round out of Nevada. 

“He plays on his insteps, gets both feet in the ground and that allows him to get off bump coverage,” said Packers coach Matt LaFleur. “And the game is certainly not too big for him.”

It’s apropos that Doubs is making electrifying plays because he drove opposing defensive coordinators bonkers in the preseason. He showed off his speed and catching ability, but many played it off by saying it was against inferior competition that were happy to make the 53-man roster. 

Now that the competition has been raised, it’s time to give Doubs his due. His route running is swift and staccato-like. But then when he gets the ball, it’s a completely different story. 

Everyone thought that Christian Watson was going to be the wideout the Packers needed. However, he has not been able to get on the field and Doubs has really taken advantage of the opportunities. He’s done so well that it’s going to be difficult to get Doubs off the field.

“Every single day, there’s been at least one ‘wow’ play,” said Aaron Rodgers in August. “And that’s rare for a young guy like that. We’ve had some guys over the years do that, but they are all in the top 10 of Packers receiving history.”

I remember when Rodgers said that and many were beyond shocked because that’s monumental praise for a receiver that really did not prove anything yet. Obviously, Rodgers knows what he’s talking about because Doubs looks like he could be a legitimate No. 1 receiver. 

Oh and it gets better. The Patriots have one of the worst secondaries in the NFL. This is the game for Rodgers to put on his surgical scrubs and get to work. And the perfect person to be his surgical tech is Doubs. 

If given room, he will be able to cut through that defense with ease. 

 

 

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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn

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3 points
 

Comments (27)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
egbertsouse's picture

October 01, 2022 at 07:07 am

Wow, the Romeo Doubs hype train is going balls out in Packer World. This is about the hundredth article on him I’ve read this week. Call Canton and tell them to get his gold jacket ready because he had one good game!

-15 points
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ReaganRulz's picture

October 01, 2022 at 08:24 am

Who’s claiming that he’s on his way to Canton? The guy has made important catches so far and we need those big time. He’s been a nice surprise and hope that he continues to progress!!

3 points
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NickPerry's picture

October 01, 2022 at 09:43 am

Hmmm...Well, I think it's appropriate to be excited about a 4th round ROOKIE who's caught 14 of 16 targets AND was making "Wow" plays all preseason.

Personally IMO this guy is just scratching the surface. He's big, fast, and has hands that are strong as hell. He catches 99% of passes with his hands and doesn't let the ball get into his body. I think there's PLENTY to be excited about when it comes to one Romeo Doubs!

7 points
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Coldworld's picture

October 01, 2022 at 02:06 pm

I think he’s going to get a lot more and less passive opportunities as time goes on. Now to let the other two get into the act.

1 points
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stockholder's picture

October 01, 2022 at 07:38 am

He's been everything Amari Rodgers wasn't.

9 points
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egbertsouse's picture

October 01, 2022 at 07:41 am

Yeah, for one game.

-9 points
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Johnf's picture

October 01, 2022 at 08:54 am

If you're so upset with all the articles on Doubs why do you keep reading them sounds like a disgruntled Viking fan

7 points
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Bure9620's picture

October 01, 2022 at 09:53 am

And more

1 points
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Guam's picture

October 01, 2022 at 08:45 am

Unfortunately, the Sammy Watkins experiment has been derailed by hamstring problems (somewhat as expected) and while he may contribute later in the season it is doubtful he will be a high impact player for the Packers. This opened the door for one of the rookie WRs and Romeo Doubs ran through that door. The Packers very much need Doubs to continue his level of play. Lazard and Cobb can be effective WRs, but the Packers need at least one more option if not two (particularly guys with speed who can stretch a defense) and that means the rookies need to grow up quickly.

Go Doubs Go!

6 points
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Coldworld's picture

October 01, 2022 at 09:01 am

Lean on your best talent. Talent is a blend of potential and veteran savvy. In this context it’s the ability to make positively impactful plays the most often. Thus inexperience is a negative due to errors but physical ability is a positive: the ability to get open and to do something after the catch.

Who do you want with the ball in their hands in this team? Jones, obviously, but in terms of catchers it’s Doubs, Watson and Toure, or should be. Lazard isn’t chopped liver, but he’s not a game breaker, unless others are drawing defenders. Cobb is a cameo piece. Get them out there, give them opportunities to catch balls in places that let them show their physical skills and don’t just use them in predictable ways. Don’t just send Watson deep, use him as a decoy or as the beneficiary. The same for the others.

This isn’t a top flight veteran group. So use your upside and use it aggressively to stretch Ds and unlock the physical advantages. If not, we are just slow and safe with Doubs heavily covered. Last year without Adams or MVS as we’ve played thus far if you like. Safe, minimizing the greatest attributes we have and pointless in terms of post season.

Rodgers has the shortest average depth of target of any QB in the NFL by more than a full yard at this point. He has attempted just seven passes more than 20 yards downfield through three games, only one of those was to Watson, I don’t think any to Doubs. Winfree has more deep targets! I think Love has as many 20 yard plus in the air completions as Rodgers. Toure hasn’t even been active, despite showing he’s an excellent tracker of the long ball in preseason.

I am not implying that it’s Rodgers: look at where they are running Doubs and Watson. You can’t throw to a guy beyond 20 if he’s running routes inside the 10. Most risibly, typically those routes are through a pack of defenders, making it hard to get openings. Ironically, a deeper route or two might actually enable Rodgers to get the ball out as fast or faster. LaFleur is a liability.

1 points
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Packers0808's picture

October 01, 2022 at 09:03 am

No matter who they have to have their chances to make an impact. Somene make the best of their opportunities and so far has been for us Doubs!

4 points
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ricky's picture

October 01, 2022 at 10:08 am

In the 2014 game against New England, the Packers decided to rely on a rookie receiver to get the majority of throws. That guy was Davante Adams. Am I comparing the two? Not yet. And it could well be within the game plan to target Doubs less, and rely more on the RB's/TE's, or have Lazard be the main receiver. Something to throw off the Pats defensive plan. But if they make in game adjustments, LaFleur needs to have an answer, other than to rely on the defense to do enough to eke out another win.

3 points
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PatrickGB's picture

October 01, 2022 at 10:24 am

I read here that the Patriots have the worst secondary. And I read on another site where they have the best when it comes to yards. I recently read that they have one of the best cornerbacks and I also read that they also have one of the worst. It’s only the fourth game of the season. It’s a bit early to make predictions based on stats.

But yes, Doubs looks like an up an commer.

6 points
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splitpea1's picture

October 01, 2022 at 11:06 am

Same here; there may be a bit of a weak link, but I don't think the Pats have one of the worst secondaries at all.

1 points
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NitschkeFromTheGrave's picture

October 01, 2022 at 10:58 am

Is Doubs the next Devonte Adams or Jerry Rice? I don't know, none of us know but I will say this:
He's got something special. How special? I don't know but we shall find out.
The kid has got game and he's bringing it. At a time when we are looking for players to step up.
I'm pulling for him and hoping A.R. starts to trust him.

5 points
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WestCoastPackerBacker's picture

October 01, 2022 at 03:37 pm

I think the fact that Rogers threw at him eight times, in the Tampa Bay game indicates he trusts him. The fact that he caught all eight passes should just grow the trust even more.

2 points
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packrat8555's picture

October 01, 2022 at 01:23 pm

Love the start, and the way Romeo has stepped up to the plate! It might just be me, but I believe Watson will also shine before too long, and make the impact of his blazing speed, and freak athleticism felt in this offense as well.

4 points
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WestCoastPackerBacker's picture

October 01, 2022 at 03:39 pm

It sure is fun to dream of these rookies playing a big role later in the season. Having two such talented guys around might make Aaron Rodgers think about sticking around for another season.

1 points
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Ferrari-Driver's picture

October 01, 2022 at 01:59 pm

I hope Doubs is the real deal and from what I've read about him, he has some qualities which set him apart from the average wide receiver. He studies the game and according to coaches, he is the first one in and last one out. He also catches between 100-150 balls on the jugs machine during his free time. His 6'2" frame with over 200 lbs is ideal for a wide receiver. While this doesn't ensure success, I like the trend.

4 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

October 02, 2022 at 08:40 am

FD,
Have read the same about Doubs. Any Packer fan has to love that!

It is this type of attitude that makes champions and seperates players. It is my hope Watson being a competitor is motivated by Doubs success, but also his work effort. That these two (three with Toure) push each other making each other better.

1 points
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jont's picture

October 01, 2022 at 02:09 pm

Belichek is obviously a great coach, but I can't get behind his extreme refusal to speak to the press and fans. In this column we see once again that it "looks like backup Brian Hoyer will get the nod over Mac Jones who is nursing a high ankle sprain." Looks like? Jones is out for a few weeks. Belichek "plays it close to the vest"... yeah, like anybody (and I mean anybody) believes him. Why?!

Just my pet peeve of the week.

1 points
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LeotisHarris's picture

October 01, 2022 at 05:59 pm

Well, I guess it's on to Cincinnati...

0 points
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Oppy's picture

October 01, 2022 at 10:22 pm

One day, Rodgers might actually get it through his thick skull that if you only throw to the guy who you've deemed "trustworthy" and don't spread the ball around to the other players- young, developing or otherwise- that at the end of the season when the chips are all down in the big game, and the opposing defense has decided they're taking away your one "trustworthy" target, all the other players you've avoided going to all season long will be nowhere close to ready to shoulder a bigger load and help you win the big game.

Spread the freakin ball around, to everyone the coaches put on the field. Stay in rhythm, stay in progression. Is the target in progression open? THROW HIM THE STINKIN' BALL. Did he drop it? That sucks. Next play, if the same WR happens to be the open target in progression, YOU THROW HIM THE STINKIN BALL AGAIN.

You let the COACHES worry about benching players that aren't getting it done. If the Coaches put a player on the field, and they're open in progression.. THROW THEM THE STINKIN' BALL.

By the end of the year, you have a well-rounded corps of receivers who are seasoned and in sync with the QB.

Doing it the Rodgers way (only throw to the guy you 'trust', basically ignore all others unless you don't have a choice), you end up at the end of the year with one guy who's locked in, and 4 guys who look like they've just been called up off the bench for the first time in their life.

Look, I'm ecstatic that Doubs performed at a high level last week.. but the last thing I want is Rodgers reverting to DavanteVision. Week 2 Rodgers hit 7-8 different targets and they ALL had 3-4 targets a piece.. That's what I'm looking for. That's what's best for this offense.

2 points
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marpag1's picture

October 02, 2022 at 07:25 am

After three games, these are the number of targets and (catches) per player, according to Pro Football Reference:

Doubs - 16 (14)
Tonyan - 14 (11)
Dillon - 12 (8)
Jones - 12 (9)
Lazard - 9 (6) played only 2 games
Cobb - 8 (7)
Watson - 7 (5) played only 2 games
Watkins - 7 (6) played only 2 games

I would say that this is pretty well-balanced distribution. I'm not real sure why so many undies continued to get bunched over ARod's perceived refusal to throw the ball to open receivers, but I'm guessing it has something to do with a narrative that does not represent reality as much as people think it does.

4 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

October 02, 2022 at 08:43 am

Marp,
Thanks for the research and post. Very informative!

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

October 02, 2022 at 10:38 am

This year no. It’s where they are when he’s throwing. To have the shortest yards per target by over a yard is quite an achievement.

0 points
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Oppy's picture

October 02, 2022 at 12:54 pm

I'm really not interested in seeing both RB's with more passing targets than all but one of the WRs, nor am I interested in seeing 1 WR with nearly double the targets of the #2 WR.

The Bears game went a long way to balancing out targets across WRs. I would love to see more of it. As I stated, I'm concerned about things turning back around into the one-WR show.

You make it out like it's not been an repeated issue in the past. It has. Let's not see a reverting to those ways.

Yes, I am fearful that an emerging WR will mean Rodgers starts to ignore the others again.

1 points
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