A.J. Brown Blames Himself for Dropped Passes in Patriots' Return
Wide receiver acknowledges poor performance after missing four games due to injury.
A.J. Brown acknowledged his struggles in his return to the New England Patriots' lineup Sunday, taking full responsibility for a series of dropped passes during the team's 26-19 victory over the New York Jets. Brown, playing his first game since Week 1 after recovering from a high ankle sprain, recorded three receptions on 10 targets for 27 yards and was credited with three drops.
"I didn’t play well," Brown told reporters after the game. "I don’t know if the timing was off. I’m much better than what I put on display today, there’s no excuses. I’ll be better."
Brown missed the Patriots' previous four games following the ankle injury he sustained in the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks. His performance against the Jets included several missed opportunities, including a potential 61-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter from quarterback Drake Maye.
"Yeah, I’m all good," Brown stated when asked about his ankle. "Again, no matter whatever question you guys ask, I’m going to tell you guys there’s no excuses. I stacked my guy, should have made the play. I beat my guy on third down, should have made the play. So, ankle or not, I’ll make all those plays."
Despite the dropped passes, Brown also failed to secure a late onside kick attempt by the Jets, though the Patriots ultimately recovered the ball to secure the win.
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel commented on Brown's performance, acknowledging that the receiver could have made more plays. "He’s been out for a while," Vrabel said. "I know that he wanted to do well for his football team, and unfortunately it wasn’t his best effort. I know that he knows that, and we have all the confidence in the world in A.J. just to be able to finish those plays."
Quarterback Drake Maye expressed his excitement for Brown's return and confidence in their developing connection. "First of all, it was great to see him back out there," Maye said. "It was cool to see a different guy in the huddle. Man, he looks cool in the huddle. So, I’m looking forward to just growing, just building the connection. I think there’s some obvious plays he wish he had back, but man, I was just telling him in the locker room, ‘Man, you ain’t got to worry about one.’"
The 4-2 Patriots will next face the Chicago Bears on Thursday night.