A.J. Brown Struggles Against Soft Coverage, Sparking Scheme Concerns
WHO:
Pro Football Network - Emmanuel Acho, a former NFL linebacker, criticized A.J. Brown’s performances for the Patriots.
Heavy NFL - Jeff Mueller, a doctor of physical therapy and injury analyst, assessed Brown’s recovery from a high-ankle sprain.
Pro Football Network - Asante Samuel, a Patriots Super Bowl champion, questioned whether A.J. Brown fits head coach Mike Vrabel’s Patriots offense.
Draft Sharks - A.J. Brown is identified as a Patriots wide receiver.
WHAT:
Sportskeeda - Brown attributed his quiet performance against the Bears to opposing defenses doing their “job.”
Sportskeeda - NFL fans on social media mocked Brown’s explanation, with reactions including “Philly was right” and “You are cooked.”
Pro Football Network - Acho described Brown’s start to his Patriots career as “embarrassing” and called it “an awful sign.”
Heavy NFL - Mueller wrote that Brown’s struggles could be explained by his recovery from a high-ankle sprain.
Boston.com - Brown said of adjusting to New England’s offense, “There’s no time for that.”
Boston.com - New England needs more production from Brown, who is three games into his Patriots career.
Pro Football Network - Samuel raised concerns about Brown’s struggles against the Bears and Jets and his fit in the offense.
Pro Football Network - The article headline quotes Samuel saying, “This Isn’t the System for Him.”
Draft Sharks - Brown caught 3 of 6 targets for 48 yards and no touchdowns in the Patriots’ loss to the Bears.
Draft Sharks - New England targeted Brown on its first snap.
WHERE:
Pro Football Network - The concerns involved the Patriots’ offense and games against the Bears and Jets.
Draft Sharks - The game was against the Bears.
WHY:
Pro Football Network - Samuel’s concerns centered on Brown’s struggles and whether Vrabel’s offensive system suits him.
Draft Sharks - The article characterized the Bears’ secondary as beatable.
HOW:
Draft Sharks - Brown’s performance was 3 receptions on 6 targets, totaling 48 scoreless yards.
A.J. Brown’s quiet start with the Patriots has raised questions about his production and fit in head coach Mike Vrabel’s offense. In a loss to the Bears, Brown caught 3 of 6 targets for 48 yards and no touchdowns, despite being targeted on New England’s first snap. Brown blamed the subdued performance on opposing defenses doing their “job,” but NFL fans mocked the explanation online, with some saying, “Philly was right,” and, “You are cooked.” Former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho called Brown’s start “embarrassing” and “an awful sign.” Patriots Super Bowl champion Asante Samuel also questioned whether the offense suits Brown, citing struggles against the Bears and Jets. Brown is three games into his Patriots career, and New England needs more from him. Brown said there’s “no time” to adjust to the offense, while injury analyst Jeff Mueller suggested a high-ankle sprain could help explain Brown’s struggles.