Romeo, Romeo Wherefore Art Thou, Romeo?

[Patler]

The Doubs situation is being discussed in at least two threads related to weekly games. Since this is a significant situation that will likely last a while, I thought it deserved its own thread. (Besides, I got frustrated try to find things about Doubs that I wanted to respond to in threads having titles wholly related to something else! )

[Patler]

This article from last January might shed some light on Doubs. Different guy. I can see where the Packers would have had no idea Doubs was unhappy with his role until he didn't show up. https://www.golongtd.com/p/the-real-...i-youve-got-to

Doesn't it seem that Doubs' actions this week are contrary to the person and personality portrayed in that article? The article describes a player who keeps his head focused on the things he can control, not worrying about what he can't control. Doing the right things in the right way, the best way that he can. A team-first guy who doesn't draw attention to himself, who doesn't promote himself.

Does he have the wrong people (or agent) chirping in his ear about his "role" on the team?

[Patler]

What the heck was Doubs thinking? Concerned about his role at this point of this season??

Week 1 - Doubs was the team leader in targeted passes with 7. Not a huge number, but more than anyone else.

Week 2 - Doubs was the leading receiver in yardage, tied for the lead in receptions with only 3, but in a game with a backup QB who threw only 14 passes. Watson didn't have a single pas thrown his way, and said after the game that he couldn't care less, because the objective was to win and he did what he needed to do to get the win.

Week 3 - again, with a backup QB and very few passes thrown (19) Two to Doubs, the same as Watson. Reed had 6, Kraft 3.

Week 4 - Doubs with 8 targets, the same as Reed, behind only Kraft with 9 and Wicks 13.

On the season, Doubs has played more snaps than any other receiver (per an article I read) and has been targeted 20 times, trailing only Reed and Wicks who each have been targeted just 22 times.

Where is the slight to Doubs in those 4 games?

[Patler]

Trade him.

Patler, this was my instant thought. I think it means we are both old (school).

You know he is my fav but sadly yes trade him.

A trade is the only alternative, unless Doubs has come to the team and said; "I'm an idiot. I don't know what I was thinking. I am, always have been, and always will be willing to do whatever is asked of me to help this team win. I am sorry for my actions. It won't happen again."

- If Doubs is not repentant, his anger will continue to fester and only get worse.
- A Packers' strength is the depth at WR. Forcing to any one would be detrimental.
- Discontent left alone can spread. Who's next to complain about his role?
- Doubs is a good player, not a special player. He can't be treated as special.

[Patler]

I think they need to try to work things out before deciding to trade him. They had issues with Jaire last year and have been able to work them out. Not sure how much you would get in a trade for a guy who just decided not to show up to practice without any notification.

I see this as a completely different situation from that with Jaire. Jaire was stupid, put himself out of place, elevated a personal interest, but never quit on the team. He didn't compromise on his preparation or performance.

Doubs quit on the team

[MadtownPacker]

This has brought a dark cloud to my weekend. Yeah if he doesn’t have a 180 there is no way he can stay on the team. Probably even a public apology. While I don’t agree he cant be a special player you are right he isn’t one yet. That might be part of the issue but regardless of him being right or wrong he shit the bed and is now laying in it. How did shit get to this point is what is stunning. Has to be someone whispering in his ear to go nuclear out of nowhere.

[Patler]

This has brought a dark cloud to my weekend. Yeah if he doesn’t have a 180 there is no way he can stay on the team. Probably even a public apology. While I don’t agree he cant be a special player you are right he isn’t one yet. That might be part of the issue but regardless of him being right or wrong he shit the bed and is now laying in it. How did shit get to this point is what is stunning. Has to be someone whispering in his ear to go nuclear out of nowhere.

It's such a stupid, stupid time to have done this. They played two games (and won both) with a backup QB who passed mostly only as a distraction. Who can complain about their role in either of those games?

One game got out of hand almost immediately, destroying any plan they had for the game.

In the only "normal" game this year, Doubs was the leader in passes targeted to him.

[Fritz]

It's such a stupid, stupid time to have done this. They played two games (and won both) with a backup QB who passed mostly only as a distraction. Who can complain about their role in either of those games?

One game got out of hand almost immediately, destroying any plan they had for the game.

In the only "normal" game this year, Doubs was the leader in passes targeted to him.

As I understand the situation, he was particularly unhappy with this week's game plan, which I am guessing featured a lot more Wicks-and-Reed stuff to cover for Watson's absence, and Doubs likely felt like he was the logical guy to pick up some slack in the game plan. Maybe that was the proverbial straw for him, after the focus on feeding Wicks the ball the last two games despite his less-than-stellar start to the season.

I think the article Joe posted suggests that Romeo Doubs must have German blood coursing through his veins: don't talk about what is happening. Be stoic, don't explain. And so, in typical German fashion, nothing gets said, nothing gets talked about, but the resentments and angers build up until there is a sudden, seemingly surprising reaction.

I do think there's a way out here. The more serious suggestion would be that MLF and Love go talk to him and make nice - how important he is to the team, etc. Then a meeting with Doubs's agent in which the agent is apprised of how little leverage Doubs has, and a warning to the agent that he needs to do a better job of helping Doubs understand how he's damaging his own future payday, and perhaps a warning to the agent to quit prodding Doubs about how underappreciated he is (if that's what the team thinks the agent is doing). In other words, do a little ass-kicking, but kick the agent's ass, not Doubs's (that's part of an agent's job). Then craft a careful statement about not wanting to be a distraction, maybe mention "misunderstandings" (so much easier for people than straight up saying they fucked up), apologize for the misunderstanding and for being a distraction when really all Doubs has ever wanted was to help the team win, etc, etc. You know, the modern-day-athlete's version of an "apology." Everybody says it's cool, no problem. Next game Doubs gets maybe an extra throw or two, then back to just game planning without taking him into particular consideration.

OR somebody close to Doubs says "Oh, he's so stoic, he was actually just really sick and he didn't want anyone to know," and Doubs indirectly and reluctantly confirms this, then the whole usual "misunderstandings" thing, and then he's back, only wanting to help the team, etc.

That's the modern-day version of things. Athletes, politicians, straying spouses: a sorta-kinda apology ("I'm so sorry this has all gotten so bad!") that relies on the idea of misunderstanding, as if a lack of communication or poor communication is the real problem, not that someone plain did something stupid or shitty or both.

And if Doubs isn't amenable to any of this (I still think a sit-down with MLF would do wonders), well, then you have to either suspend him indefinitely or pretend it's all okay and then try to trade him, though in that case, the team has zero leverage and will get very little in return.

We all have read reports in the past of some of the wide receivers getting together with Love in the offseason to practice, or getting together amongst themselves to train. I think Reed has been mentioned in that regard. Was Doubs ever mentioned? I'm wondering how the other receivers see him. He seems like a bit of a loner.

[Anti-Polar Bear]

Doubs is from LA. Game’s in LA. By all accounts, Doubs is a humble fellow.

There can only be one logical reason for all this drama: Doubs has gotten himself suspended on purpose to avoid the notorious LA gang cribs.

[sharpe1027]

This makes it easier to decide who to keep when all the rookie WR contracts end.

[bobblehead]

This makes it easier to decide who to keep when all the rookie WR contracts end.

Yep. Extend Watson if he can be had for a modest price. Lay the groundwork for Reed and Wicks. Trade Doubs and draft a WR next year. Of course this is all hypothetical as I doubt you will get any of these guys to sign for under market because thats not the way it works anymore. Instead keep them competing til the end and pony up for the best ones.

[King Friday]

Reed is obviously a keeper. I believe Wicks will develop into that as well. Adams has plenty of issues with drops his first few years, then worked his way out of it. Wicks has the talent to be a true #1 if he works at it. The Doubs situation may give the Packers an opportunity to bring a veteran WR in next year to help develop guys like Wicks, Melton and Heath.

I now wonder if not having a veteran presence in the room was something that allowed the malcontent to fester. It’s nice having a room filled with great young talent, but often having someone who understands the league and the longer term view helps with the young kids. We just don’t have ANY veteran leadership on offense, and that may have been part of the issue.

[bobblehead]

How about dish Romeo to the Raiders with a 5th for their malcontent WR...that Adams guy. Then sign Bak to light a fire under Walker.

WE'RE GETTING THE BAND BACK TOGETHER!!!

[Teamcheez1]

Not going to get any return on your investment if you trade him.
His remaining salary on his rookie contract is a drop in the bucket.
It would be bad precedent as an organization to give into whatever his demands are, if any.
I’m not sure we know exactly what is going on, but MLF and company are paid to resolve these type of issues.

[MadtownPacker]

How about dish Romeo to the Raiders with a 5th for their malcontent WR...that Adams guy. Then sign Bak to light a fire under Walker.

WE'RE GETTING THE BAND BACK TOGETHER!!!

That’s what my Lowe’s local Packer Backer (he is from WI) said to me yesterday. It’s the only way to heal my heart. Let’s fukin do it!