Patriots WR A.J. Brown returned from a high ankle sprain to record 3 catches for 27 yards on 10 targets. The film might be even uglier than the box score suggests.
What They're Saying
Here's QB Drake Maye on Brown's first game back (via ESPN).
"I think there's some [on] me, [and] there's obviously some plays he wished he had back. But man, I was just [saying] in the locker room, 'You ain't got to worry about [No.] 1. He's a player in this league. He's going to be one of the best players on the field every time he steps on it.' I told him I'm going to keep coming his way, and I don't really think there's too much [else] to say about it. He's a great player. He's got great hands. He's got great releases, and he was open. I thought he looked good running around."
Brown was critical of his play after the win.
"My timing was off. I'm much better than what I put on display today. There's no excuses. I'll be better."
Fortunately, the veteran avoided any injury setbacks against the Jets.
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Brown simply looked off in his first game since the opener.
The former Eagle recorded a pair of drops, including one that could have gone for a score of 60+ yards. Brown also recovered his own fumble at the conclusion of an 8-yard pickup.
Per Next Gen Stats, Brown recorded a -36.4% catch rate over expected and just a 6.3% success rate. Both numbers marked new lows among all WRs with 10+ targets in a game this season.
Brighter days are certainly ahead for Brown, who’ll get a quick turnaround at Chicago on Thursday night. Brown will be worth going back to as a WR2, especially with Caleb Williams and a high-scoring Bears offense on the other side. The Pats might also be without WR Romeo Doubs, who left Sunday’s game with a shoulder injury.
You have to be encouraged by Maye's play, too. Over the past three weeks, he ranks first in Pro Football Focus passing grade, third in yards per attempt, and eighth in adjusted completion rate (35 qualifiers, min. 25 attempts).
