Patriots Receiver A.J. Brown Draws Criticism After Quiet First Half Against Bears
A.J. Brown had one reception for 18 yards on two targets in the first half of New England's Thursday game against Chicago. The quiet outing came a week after he recorded a career-high three drops against the Jets. Brown, who missed four games with an ankle injury, is still working to find chemistry with Drake Maye and the Patriots' offense.
Brown, in his first season with New England after a trade, missed four games following a Week 1 ankle injury. He returned last week against the Jets with three catches for 27 yards on 10 targets and three drops, the most in his career.
Against Chicago, he managed one reception for 18 yards on two targets before halftime, while the Patriots trailed 20-14. After the Jets game, Brown said he would review the film and move on, but his connection with Drake Maye remains a work in progress.
The story may mainly affect fantasy football participants, Patriots fans and sports-media audiences, who could adjust lineups or add to online criticism. For Brown, scrutiny could increase pressure as he tries to build chemistry with Maye, though a single half is a limited sample. Any wider societal impact is likely confined to sports entertainment.