A big opportunity ahead for Packers rookie WR Romeo Doubs
By Paul Bretl
A major opportunity lies ahead for Green Bay Packers rookie wide receiver Rome Doubs against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but capitalizing on these chances won’t be easy.
As of now, we know that the Packers will be without Sammy Watkins, while the statuses of Randall Cobb and Christian Watson are still up in the air, as both are listed as questionable for Sunday’s game.
All of this adds up to more potential opportunities for Doubs on Sunday, with him “going to have to take more of a load this week,” as Matt LaFleur told reporters on Friday.
Doubs, along with the rest of the Packers’ receivers, have all seen regular action, with Green Bay’s top-five receiving targets all playing between 55 and 85 offensive snaps as LaFleur mixes and matches the personnel based on packages and situations that fit each player best.
As we all know, Doubs stole the show during training camp and the preseason, winning in all parts of the field, from all three levels to both inside and out, while also making catches in traffic, just as he had done frequently at Nevada.
His ability to get on top of the cornerback quickly allows him to create that separation that often shows up on film. He, along with Watson, brings a playmaking element to this offense that others at the receiver position just can’t.
Through two regular season games with the Packers, Doubs has been on the field for 65 offensive snaps, primarily playing on the boundary, although he has 13 snaps from the slot. Doubs has caught six of his eight targets for 64 yards, two of which went for at least 20 yards per PFF ($$).
This also includes what both LaFleur and Aaron Rodgers called a pivotal play in Sunday’s win over Chicago when Doubs caught a quick pass on 2nd and 28 that he turned into a 20-yard gain. Green Bay would then convert on third down and eventually found the end zone.
Doubs, along with the rest of the Packers’ offense, will be up against one of the NFL’s best defensive units. Through two games, Tampa Bay has allowed only 13 points. Against the pass specifically, they rank eighth in yards per game and first by DVOA. They’ve also been one of the best at pressuring the quarterback, which of course, affects the passing game.
The Packers’ success on offense begins with being able to move the ball on the ground, which again, is no small task. However, whether it be via the run or the pass, becoming one-dimensional offensively is not a recipe for success against the Bucs. The run game may be the catalyst, but Tampa respecting the passing game will be an important element as well.
A respectable run game will help create opportunities for Doubs and others in the passing game, whether that be off play-action or simply with the attention it draws. It also will allow LaFleur to dial up some more creative play calls, benefitting the Green Bay pass-catchers.
As for Doubs specifically, moving him around pre-snap and having play designs that get him the ball quickly and in space are a few ways to get him involved early on, with what hopefully end up being positive plays for the offense. Doubs will also play an important role as the vertical threat for the Packers, which may be the best way for him to find success against the Bucs—as long as Rodgers has time.
As always, don’t forget about Aaron Jones and Robert Tonyan, who will play key roles in the passing game, but Doubs is in all likelihood going to have more opportunities on Sunday. However, with more opportunities comes more attention from a very good Bucs defense as well.