A.J. Brown was the guy during the New England Patriots’ joint practices against the Philadelphia Eagles this week, straight up dominating every session he was in. He rocked the number one on his jersey, proving he was the top weapon for the Patriots and the best receiver out there, hands down, for either team.
The Echoes of a First-Round Move and Fresh Starts
You know why everyone’s eyes were glued to Brown? It’s all about that first-round pick trade between these two teams this offseason. The drama with Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, Brown’s past criticisms of the “passing game” in Philly, and his own honest mockery of his 2025 production all built up to this fresh start in New England. Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell saw it firsthand. He said Brown “looks a little better, a little faster” and “he’s going to keep getting better.” Mitchell knows the battle Brown brings, adding that he “just gives you so many tough battles and tough assignments. It was really just great to go out there and compete with him again today.” Brown’s unpredictability is always part of his story.
“It’s Always Going To Be Love,” But The Competition Is Real
The whole “advice for Drake Maye” question came up, with a reporter asking Hurts about getting the most out of Brown. Hurts just shrugged it off, saying Maye “has had a lot of success already,” and he “needs to continue the progression that he’s on.” On day one of practices, Brown kept his distance, not speaking with Hurts or former Eagles WR1 DeVonta Smith. But by day two, he went over to chat with Smith, and then found Hurts after practice on Thursday. Brown later clarified his feelings, saying, “It’s not about no closure or anything. It’s love. I won a Super Bowl ring with them. It’s always going to be love no matter how anyone feels. I love Philly and I will always love Philly. But I’m here now and this is where my feet are and that’s where I’m focusing.”
That focus showed. Early in the drills, Brown went one-on-one against Mitchell. Brown burned him for easy separation on a fade route, heading straight for the end zone. But Patriots QB Maye underthrew the ball, giving Mitchell a relatively easy pass breakup. Brown, with a laugh, called out a little holding by Mitchell, explaining, “I won, he pulled himself back into the play, and I just have to finish the play. My right hand didn’t get to the ball quick enough. My left hand got on the ball. That’s on me. … That could have been a 40-yard bomb, but now it’s a long foul ball. Those are the things I’m focusing on.” But don’t let that one play fool you. Over the two days, Brown was unstoppable, logging more than 10 catches in team drills and scoring countless touchdowns. This guy is on a mission.
With the regular season around the corner, Brown’s performance against his old team sends a clear message: he’s locked in, focused, and ready to make a serious statement. We’ll see what he does when the games actually count.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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