New England Patriots wide receiver Romeo Doubs faced heavy criticism from fans following a difficult debut performance in the team's season-opening loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Doubs, who signed with the Patriots as a free agent in March, was unable to make a significant impact during the 13-10 defeat.
With teammate AJ Brown sidelined early in the game, Doubs was expected to become a primary target for quarterback Drake Maye. However, he remained largely inactive for the first three quarters, failing to record any receptions. The situation worsened in the fourth quarter with the score tied 10-10. On a second-and-14 play, Doubs dropped a pass from Maye that could have secured a first down for the Patriots. Instead, the dropped pass was followed by Maye's second interception of the game on the subsequent play.
The Seahawks capitalized on the turnover, going on to score the go-ahead field goal. Online, fans reacted harshly to Doubs' performance, with many labeling it a "disasterclass." Comments on social media platforms questioned the receiver's $68 million contract, with one user calling it an "84 million dollar drop." Another commenter described it as the "Worst drop I've seen in a looooong time."
Doubs, 26, joined the Patriots after four seasons with the Green Bay Packers. He signed a four-year, $68 million contract with New England. "I just wasn't locked in enough," Doubs stated after the game, according to the Boston Herald. "That's all. Video speaks for itself. And like I said, I'll be better."
Doubs was brought in to help fill the void left by Stefon Diggs, who was released by the Patriots earlier in the offseason.