FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and NFL:
1. Doubs' modest start: Receiver Romeo Doubs' home in the Patriots' locker room reflects the high expectations that followed him from Green Bay to New England after he signed a four-year, $68 million contract in March. Quarterback Drake Maye's locker is on the end, with receiver A.J. Brown to his right. Then, veteran receiver Mack Hollins, Doubs and fourth-year pass catcher DeMario 'Pop' Douglas fill out the row of five lockers.
The 1-2 Patriots are banking on Doubs' signing paying off, and Sunday would be the ideal time for a breakout as they try to keep up with quarterback Josh Allen and the 3-0 Bills in Orchard Park, New York (1 p.m. ET, CBS).
The early returns have been modest. Doubs, who spent his first four NFL seasons with the Packers, has totaled six receptions for 145 yards. He had a costly drop in a season-opening loss at Seattle and was penalized for offensive pass interference in last Sunday's blowout road loss to the Jaguars. His highlight was a three-catch, 96-yard performance in the Patriots' win over the Steelers in Week 2.
Coaches and teammates remain convinced of what the soft-spoken Doubs can bring to the Patriots. They're also preaching patience, with coordinator Josh McDaniels noting, "There's always going to be a period of acclimation [when players join new teams]."