Romeo Doubs did not arrive in New England with questions about whether he could play. The larger question was how the Patriots would maximize him inside an offense that already features A.J. Brown and several receivers competing for roles.
Mike Vrabel believes the answer is beginning to emerge.
During his Saturday press conference, the Patriots head coach praised Doubs’ recent work and explained why the veteran’s progress goes beyond simply becoming comfortable with a new playbook.
“Really a lot of positive things, I think, trending in the right direction,” Vrabel said.
Patriots Build Around Doubs’ Strengths
Doubs reportedly stacked together several productive practices before New England’s preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts. Vrabel credited wide receivers coach Todd Downing with identifying the concepts and routes that best suit the former Green Bay Packers playmaker.
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“Todd is very conscientious about each one of his players and what each of them needs to learn the offense and where they need to be,” Vrabel said. “What routes are going to be really good for them, and the decisions that they need to make.”
That detail could be particularly important for Doubs.
Doubs Can Punish The Attention On A.J. Brown
The Patriots do not necessarily need him to become the focal point of the offense. Brown will command defensive attention, while quarterback Drake Maye also has Hunter Henry, DeMario Douglas and New England’s running backs available in the passing game.
Doubs can instead become a matchup-driven weapon. His size and ability to make contested catches could help the Patriots outside the numbers and in the red zone.
Vrabel described Doubs as “big and fast and aggressive,” three qualities that can give New England a different option across from Brown.
The encouraging part for the Patriots is that the coaching staff does not appear determined to force Doubs into a predetermined role. Downing and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels are learning what he does best and building opportunities around those strengths.
Vrabel said that process can help a player’s confidence while also improving the team.
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New England’s Passing Attack Gains Another Dimension
That should be the objective for New England. Doubs does not need to produce like a traditional No. 1 receiver. He needs to punish defenses that tilt coverage toward Brown and provide Maye with another dependable target in critical situations.
If the recent practice trend carries into the regular season, the Patriots’ passing attack could be considerably deeper than it first appears.
