A.J. Brown Calls on Teammates to Create More Opportunities Amid Slow Patriots Start
The star wide receiver expressed frustration with defensive attention, urging his teammates to step up and open the field.
New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown is calling on his teammates to help alleviate the defensive attention he's drawing after a sluggish start to his season. Following the Patriots' 30-24 loss to the Chicago Bears on Thursday night, Brown told reporters that opposing defenses are making a concerted effort to neutralize him, and that the success of the offense hinges on other players stepping up to exploit these schemes.
"Every time I line up, you know, I get a lot of attention, so teams try to take me away," Brown said. "That gives a lot of opportunities for other guys to make plays and soften that up for me, and then whenever I get my shots, you know, I gotta make them."
Brown has struggled to find consistent production since returning from a high ankle sprain sustained in Week 1. In the Thursday night game, he recorded three catches for 48 yards. Earlier in the season, he dropped three passes against the Jets and is currently tied for eighth-most drops among all players in the league, according to Fox Sports.
The Patriots acquired Brown in a significant offseason trade, sending a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick to the Eagles. However, the return on this investment has yet to materialize, with Brown failing to surpass 50 receiving yards in any game this season.
The team's offensive struggles extend beyond Brown, with few skill players making a consistent impact. While quarterback Drake Maye has shown improvement, throwing for 1,399 yards with 15 touchdowns and two interceptions in the four games prior to Thursday's loss, the overall offensive unit has faced challenges. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson has been a notable exception, while other players like TreVeyon Henderson and the receiving corps have been hampered by injuries and inconsistent play.