New England Patriots fans are already having full-blown buyer’s remorse over the A.J. Brown trade, and honestly, you cannot blame them. The dude caught just three passes for 48 yards in their last game against the New York Jets on October 18. That’s not the kind of production you expect from a player who cost you a first-round pick, especially when that pick had no protections tied to it. The buzz out of Foxborough is that patience is running thin, and it is easy to see why.
Is A.J. Brown a Non-Factor for New England?
Brown was a Super Bowl LIX champion with the Eagles, but things are definitely not clicking for him in New England. He was called a “non-factor again” in the Patriots’ most recent game against the Bears. Three catches for 48 yards is just not cutting it when your team is already missing key receivers like Romeo Doubs and Mack Hollins, who are both on injured reserve. Patriots fans expected huge plays when they shelled out that first-round pick, but Brown just has not been able to finish them when the chances come up. There is talk that maybe he is not 100% healthy yet, or he is rusty after missing time. We saw him look “pretty awesome” against Quinyon Mitchell in training camp, so the talent is there. But the season is well underway, and a first-round pick is a first-round pick. You gotta deliver.
Eagles Hit Hard by Early Season Injuries
Meanwhile, back in Philadelphia, the Eagles are battling their own early-season injury bug as they gear up for a big Monday Night Football clash. Running back Saquon Barkley was limited in practice. Wide receiver DeVonta, who missed the first practice of last week with a hamstring injury before getting ramped up, might follow that pattern again this week. Fellow receiver Wicks is newly listed with an ankle injury, after having missed time earlier with a hamstring issue. Tight end Dallas Goedert missed practice due to a knee injury; it is unclear if it is the same one that kept him out previously, but you have to assume so. With E.J. Jenkins waived, Johnny Mundt is the only healthy tight end on the active roster. The Eagles might have to look at signing Zach Ertz from the practice squad or activating fan favorite Grant Calcaterra or rookie Eli Stowers from injured reserve to fill out that room. This is a tough spot for the Philly offense.
The Cowboys and Eagles are set to square off on Monday Night Football, in what is being described as a matchup with “very little fanfare” for a “Very Not Good NFC East.” It is a big week for both teams as they try to find some consistency and get healthy. For the Eagles, getting those key offensive pieces back on the field is crucial. For the Patriots, every snap A.J. Brown takes is going to be scrutinized, and he needs to start proving that first-round pick was worth it.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleeding Green Nation.
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