Aaron Rodgers was delighted as he got the better of Tom Brady for only the second time in his NFL career, but was shocked to discover that he set a niche passing record in the process.
The Packers are now 2-1 after they lost the opening game of the season for the second consecutive campaign, and it's been a big adjustment after star man Davante Adams left for Las Vegas Raiders. The Rodgers and Adams link-up was one of the best in the league, but it meant that the veteran quarterback now has to rely on the depth in his roster for this season.
After thrashing the Chicago Bears, the Packers took on a weakened Tampa Bay Buccaneers side who couldn't contain rookie receiver Romeo Doubs. Rodgers completed eight passes to the fourth round draft pick, and it was the first time he had made that many throws to a player other than Adams since week 1 of 2018.
According to Demovsky Stats & Info, Doubs was the first Packers receiver not named Adams with eight catches in a game since Week 1 of 2018. Back then it was Randall Cobb that held that record, and Rodgers was visibly shocked as he heard the news after the game.
Rodgers said "wow" while the disbelief was all over his face, and now Packers fans will be hoping that Doubs can emulate the success of Adams. Adams has started his career in Vegas just how he left the Packers - in prolific form.
The receiver has scored a touchdown in all three of their opening games, although the Raiders continue to struggle defensively. The Raiders are 0-3 for the season and are yet to concede any less than 24 points.
They are scoring though, as they're averaging over 21 points per game. But with their inability to shut down the opposition, it one step forwards and two steps back for the Raiders.
The Packers on the other hand are certainly coping without Adams for now, and his departure has given those on the periphery more of a chance. Allen Lazard was always a key player, but has been even more important this season.
Rookie Doubs has stepped up, and Rodgers has also found success throwing to new signing Sammy Watkins. The same can't be said for Brady, who looked lost without Mike Evans on Sunday.
After a brawl during their clash against the New Orleans Saints, Evans was handed a one-game suspension and missed the heavyweight clash against the Packers. Brady may have recorded 270 passing yards, but he was relying on Russell Gage too much during the game.
The Buccaneers only scored 12 points during the match, with Gage scoring the only touchdown, but Brady was a frustrated figure as his side let him down during the red zone rushes. the Buccaneers are also 2-1, so it's not panic stations yet, but their performance on Sunday has worried some fans.
