The New England Patriots' blockbuster trade for A.J. Brown was supposed to be a game-changer. But just a few weeks into the season, the honeymoon phase is already over, and Patriots fans are starting to show their frustration.
Back in June, the Patriots sent a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-rounder to the Philadelphia Eagles for the Pro Bowl wide receiver. The move was meant to supercharge New England's passing attack, and why not? Brown had been a monster in Philly, racking up 185 catches, 2,995 yards, and 24 touchdowns over his tenure there.
But so far, the Patriots are still waiting for that explosive playmaker to show up. Brown suffered an ankle injury in the season opener, which sidelined him until October 18. In his return, he managed just three catches on 10 targets for 27 yards. Then came Thursday's game against the Chicago Bears, where he again hauled in only three balls, this time for 48 yards.
When asked about his lack of production, Brown pointed the finger at defenses, claiming they're game-planning to take him out of the picture. "I know what type of player I am," Brown said. "I get a lot of attention, teams try and take me away and it gives a lot of opportunities for other guys to make plays."
Patriots fans, however, aren't buying it. Social media has been buzzing with criticism, with one fan writing, "Philly was right all along why did we trade for him man." Another fan added, "That's cool, it's your job not to get taken away. Ain't see not one double team on buddy. JSN and Chase would never."
The frustration is palpable, and it's not just about the numbers. Some fans are questioning Brown's effort, with one noting, "He short armed passes all last year with Philly trying to avoid hard contact." Others are placing blame on the coaching staff, saying, "AJ got a point, JMD had him running decoy routes for the RBs and TEs. But like we need some more catches and highlights my man."
It's a delicate situation for the Patriots, who are already dealing with tension between Maye and Vrabel and key defensive injuries ahead of the Bills game. Adding a disgruntled star receiver to the mix is the last thing they need.
Next up for New England is a November 1 showdown with the Miami Dolphins. If Brown can't deliver in that spot, the panic button in Foxborough will be hit hard. And with the trade deadline looming, some fans are already wondering if the Patriots should cut their losses. But for now, Brown remains a Patriot, and the pressure is on for him to prove he's worth the hefty price tag.
