Romeo Doubs has a fresh spotlight on him heading into Week 2, and it has nothing to do with easing off the pressure.
His Patriots debut against the Seahawks was rough from the jump. Doubs opened with a dropped pass that stopped any momentum before it could build, then later coughed up a bobbled catch that turned into an interception.
For a receiver expected to help drive an offense led by Drake Maye, it was the kind of first impression that lingers. The situation only got more complicated when A.J.
Brown went down with an ankle injury, leaving New England looking for more from its passing game against the Steelers on Sunday.
That’s why Doubs is under so much scrutiny now. He was signed to be the WR2 in this offense, and with Brown out for at least the next four games, the need for someone to step up has only grown. Most expect Mack Hollins to be the next man up, but Doubs is the one who can make the offense look more dynamic if he finally delivers the kind of game the Patriots had in mind.
The jersey-number discussion around Doubs has also come back into focus after a new interview with Rob Gronkowski. The issue started when Doubs chose to keep No. 87 after joining the team in free agency, which immediately stirred debate in New England because of its link to the former Patriots tight end.
That conversation only got louder after Doubs’ shaky debut. But Gronkowski made it clear on Up & Adams last week that he isn’t bothered by it.
"I'm not the one who makes the decisions over there. I wasn't consulted at all. But I'm cool with it.
The only number that I truly believe should be retired in New England … is the No. 12.
… Tom set the standards. If you're not on that page, if you're not playing for 20 years, I don't think that any other number should be retired."
Kay Adams had said it didn’t feel right to see anyone else wearing No. 87, but Gronkowski didn’t go along with that line of thinking. He also noted that he wasn’t asked before Doubs got the number.
And in fairness, Doubs wasn’t the first player to wear No. 87 for the Patriots after Gronkowski’s retirement. It would be hard to justify making a scene over the number anyway, especially based on one bad game against Seattle.
Still, the timing makes Sunday matter even more. More eyes will be on Doubs now, both because of the jersey conversation and because of what happened last week.
With Joey Porter already ruled out, the Steelers will be missing one starting cornerback, which could give Maye more room to throw. If that opens things up, Doubs has a chance to show exactly why he was brought in in the first place.
In Other News...
Patriots Catch A Break As Steelers Passing Attack Suddenly Changes
Michael Pittman Jr. being ruled out for the Steelers matchup with the Patriots changes the shape of this game before it even kicks off. Pittman had led Pittsburgh in receiving yards in Week 1, so his absence trims a key part of the passing game and shifts more of the burden onto the rest of the receiving group.
For New England, the adjustment matters because it alters where the danger may come from, with DK Metcalf now carrying even more of the spotlight. The Steelers will still have options in Roman Wilson, Germie Bernard and Pat Freiermuth, but the Patriots can prepare knowing one of Pittsburghs most productive early-season targets wont be on the field. [Read more 🡒]
Bills Perfection Buzz Puts Patriots In A Spot Fans Will Hate
Buffalos hot start has already turned the AFC East into familiar territory for Patriots fans, only this time the conversation is about something much bigger than a division race. The Bills are 2-0, Josh Allen is rolling early and some analysts are looking at the schedule and wondering whether this team has a path to a perfect 17-0 season, a mark no NFL club has ever reached.
For New England, the buzz is less about admiration than the uncomfortable possibility of watching a longtime rival chase history while the Patriots are left to react. There are still tests ahead for Buffalo, and the defense has already given up 31 points in each of the first two games, but the idea alone is enough to make the rest of the AFC East pay close attention. [Read more 🡒]
Patriots Suddenly Face A Dangerous Problem In Steelers Matchup
Carlton Davis being ruled out for the Patriots home opener changes the tone of a matchup that already had some bite to it. A neck injury will keep the veteran corner from taking the field against the Steelers, leaving New England to sort through a secondary that now leans more heavily on less experienced options. The absence is especially notable because no practice squad elevations were made after the status change, so the Patriots will have to work with what they already have on hand.
It is a sudden complication for a defense that was counting on Davis to help steady things on the back end, even as the Steelers arrive with a key wide receiver also out. The Patriots still get the benefit of playing at home, but the missing corner creates an immediate stress test for a group that will have to hold up against a physical opponent without one of its more established pieces. [Read more 🡒]