A.J. Brown has hauled in a measly six of 16 targets for just 75 yards since coming back to the field from a high ankle sprain. That’s across two games, a clear drop in production for a guy who usually brings the thunder, and it’s got everyone watching closely as the Patriots offense tries to find its rhythm.
No Excuses, Just Information
The numbers don’t lie. His first game back against the Jets saw him dropping multiple passes. Then, in Chicago, Brown didn’t have any drops, but he whiffed on several blocks in the run game. We’re talking about missing a downfield block on a cornerback that could have sprung Rhamondre Stevenson for a touchdown. But don’t expect the 29-year-old receiver to offer any excuses. Brown himself said, “I’m trying to put my best foot forward. I know obviously I’m working through something, but it’s no excuses. I made none in the first week I was out there.” He added, “The things I can control, I try to control. That’s the only thing. I don’t look at anything as positive or negative, if that’s what you’re looking for. It’s information.” He even acknowledged the missed blocks directly: “I won’t make any excuses. I missed a couple blocks. I’m going to leave it at that.” Physically, after two games in five days, he said he was feeling “OK” and admitted sometimes he sees the explosiveness and sometimes he’s pushing through, but declared, “None of that stuff even matters. I’m out here, so I’m going.” That’s the mindset you want to see.
Quarterback’s Trust and a Huge Opportunity
Quarterback Drake Maye is clearly backing his guy. He said, “He’s just getting things going,” recognizing the tough road Brown has had battling IR and trying to find his flow. Maye pointed to the short week, with a Thursday night game, meaning they’d only really had their “third or fourth practice” with Brown running full speed and getting into the groove of the game plan. Maye’s confidence is obvious: “We got to keep that big picture in mind. We got full trust in him and he’s gonna make plays. It’ll be fun to watch him when he does.” This weekend, Brown and the Patriots offense get a prime chance to build some serious momentum against the Dolphins in Miami. Miami’s defense has been struggling against the pass, with their young secondary being a major part of the league’s worst pass defense this season. Brown knows they’re close, stating, “There’s still room for improvement. We’ve done some good things. We just got to take it to another level. All 11 guys doing the same thing at the same time to help the offense stay on the field to complete the drive. We are close.” This could be the game they break out.
The Patriots absolutely need Brown to get going, and this matchup in Miami against a struggling Dolphins pass defense is their golden ticket. Keep your eyes peeled to see if Brown can shake off the rust and start making those game-changing plays the team desperately needs to turn things around.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pats Pulpit.
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