A.J. Brown’s return to the field last Sunday was a rough one, man. The star wide receiver hauled in just three catches for a measly 27 yards on a game-high 10 targets, battling some drops that definitely stung. But get this: Quarterback Drake Maye isn’t even flinching about his top guy moving forward. “It’s A.J. Brown,” Maye flat-out said, dismissing the performance. “Last week is what it is. I wish I had some throws back and attempts I targeted his way, and I think it’s part of this league. You want to make a play so bad, you want to have plays back, and there are plays that I want back every week, and that’s part of it. It’s a short week, so we’ve got to get focused on Chicago.” Talk about a vote of confidence, even when his guy had a tough outing.
Shaking Off the Rust, One Snap at a Time
Brown played 52 snaps in that game, showing he was physically ready, and he confirmed his ankle was “feeling good.” He mentioned dealing with the usual bumps and bruises elsewhere, but that ankle wasn’t an issue. So, no physical excuses there. It was just one of those games where the plays didn’t happen. And Brown isn’t dwelling on it, which is exactly what you want to hear from your main playmaker. “I just didn’t make the play. I’m not really going backwards because it’s over with now,” Brown stated Tuesday. “I watched the film. I put it to bed, and I’m looking forward.” That’s the mindset you need, especially with a short week giving him an immediate shot at redemption.
Workload Incoming: Chemistry is Key
The Patriots are going to need Brown to step up big time, because the receiver room just got thinner. Fellow wide receiver Romeo Doubs was placed on injured reserve this week, leaving Brown, DeMario Douglas, Efton Chism III, and Kyle Williams as the only active receivers. That means Brown’s workload is about to be massive, and his production has to follow suit. Crucially, the team needs him and Maye to keep building that connection on the field. Brown knows it, too. “We’re always trying to evolve,” he said. “Not just with him, but just with all the pass catchers and all of us trying to continue to grow in that area, and just go out here and make plays. It’s nothing to overthink. You throw it and catch it, you make the play. Simple as that. I’m gonna keep it very simple because it is, you know? And that’s how I approach the game, and you just gotta keep it pushing.” Sounds like a player ready to keep it simple and get back to making plays.
The short week is either a blessing or a curse, giving Brown zero time to stew but also less time to prep. They’ve got the Bears coming up on Thursday night, and you can bet Maye will be looking Brown’s way early and often. The chemistry between them, and Brown’s ability to handle that heavy workload, will be everything.
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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