If you played a drinking game every time an announcer hailed the youth of the Green Bay Packers’ offense, you probably would have been tipsy by halftime. Despite the constant reminders of their youthful lineup, Green Bay’s dynamic group did anything but disappoint this season.
Jayden Reed led the receiver room in total touchdowns, yards, and after-contact yardage. Dontayvion Wicks had Green Bay’s highest receiving grade among receivers with at least 30 targets. Christian Watson notched four total touchdowns in a three-game stretch when healthy. Bo Melton closed out the season with 200 yards in the last three games. Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft secured spots in the top five for most receiving yards among rookie tight ends.
Entering the playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys, it seemed like Romeo Doubs had quietly transformed into one of the most underrated components of Green Bay’s offense. Doubs finished the regular season leading the Packers in contested catches, and he claimed the second-highest spot in receiving yards, trailing only Reed.
Doubs led the team in targets, receptions, and yards against the Cowboys. PFF ranked him as the second-highest-graded player on the Packers’ offense for the week. Not only that, but he was their highest-graded receiver. Moreover, Jordan Love had a perfect passer rating when targeting Doubs.
Green Bay showcased its adeptness at utilizing Doubs as a focal point while cleverly deploying other receivers as decoys. The Packers capitalized on Watson’s explosive speed, designating him as a deep threat to stretch the defense and clear the middle of the field. Watson drew the attention of three defenders, creating a void in the Cowboys’ zone coverage. Doubs executed a precise inside cut, exploiting the opened space with remarkable ease.
Romeo Doubs had five catches for 136 yards, including a touchdown, against the Cowboys’ zone coverage. He finished with an elite 94.6 grade. Doubs consistently made defenders jump the gun, creating opportunities. In a notable play, he faced Stephon Gilmore, a former Defensive Player of the Year, and made the seasoned veteran look like a rookie.
Late in the game, Doubs secured his first playoff touchdown for the Packers. Facing a fourth-and-short near the goal line with a comfortable three-score lead, Love threw a sidearm pass. Doubs displayed excellent awareness, finding the open space in the end zone.
Doubs had left the regular-season finale against the Chicago Bears early and entered Wild Card weekend as questionable. He was coughing up blood, leading to a hospital visit for a chest injury evaluation. Seven days later, Doubs not only defied the odds and played but shined brightly in the playoffs.
The apparent oversight of Doubs as a contributor to the Packers’ offense isn’t a reflection of his production. Instead, it’s a testament to the collective efforts of the entire receiver room. The statistical landscape tells a compelling story: 88% of Green Bay’s offensive yards came from rookies or second-year players, a league-leading figure. While Doubs’ impact may have momentarily slipped under the radar, the staggering overall contribution from the young receiving corps underscores the depth and talent that permeates the Packers’ offense.
Doubs asserted himself as a formidable force in contested catches, ranking within the top 10 among receivers with a minimum of 90 targets. In addition to his skills as a receiver, Doubs showcased his versatility by leading the Packers in run-blocking snaps with 309. That feat placed him significantly ahead of the second-ranked Reed, who had 150 snaps as a run-blocker.
Doubs experienced fluctuations in his performance throughout the season, as his PFF grades highlight. Notably, seven out of his eight lowest grades occurred in the second half of the season. Conversely, three of his four highest grades were earned in the initial four weeks.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that Doubs faced ups and downs like any other receiver. We must have realistic expectations for him, especially considering the Green Bay Packers introduced a new offense this season. While anticipating a second-year leap is natural, patience becomes a virtue. It’s worth remembering that even Davante Adams, now a prominent figure, faced criticism in 2015, his second year in the league. Some fans called him “Dropante Adams.” The trajectory of Adams’ career reminds us that patience can yield substantial rewards.
