A.J. Brown is glad the New England Patriots' offense is complex.
While speaking to local reporters after practice, A.J. Brown explained why the New England Patriots' offense being complex is "a good thing."
The Patriots acquired Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles in June. Since then, Brown has been tasked with learning Josh McDaniels' system.
“This offense is very complex you know and that's a good thing," Brown said. "A lot more thinking, you know it's not just sitting over there and you got your route…like the defense come you gotta adjust, you gotta like the routes and everything…I can't really get into too much.”
Brown had 78 catches for 1,003 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns last season with the Eagles. The Pro Bowler enters this season with 8,029 receiving yards and 56 receiving touchdowns in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans and Eagles.
Brown was heavily linked to the Patriots because Mike Vrabel coached him in Tennessee. The two are very close. Brown also grew up a huge New England fan because of Tom Brady.
Since entering the NFL, Brown is fourth in the league in both receiving yards (8,029) and touchdown catches (56). Brown and Cincinnati Bengals superstar Ja'Marr Chase are the NFL's only two players with at least 1,000 receiving yards and seven-plus touchdown catches in each of the past four seasons.
"Just giving more chances to him," Patriots star QB Drake Maye said about Brown. "You see with the ball in his hands, what he can do -- intermediate, short, deep. I'm not going to shy away from it, that's how I play. I'm going to keep going at it. It could be the fifth play in a row, I'm going to give him the rock."
Brown is one tough cookie. He dislocated his thumb in Monday's practice and didn't miss any time. Those are the type of players NFL fans love.
The Patriots open the 2026 season with a Super Bowl rematch against the Seattle Seahawks.
That's the perfect game for Maye and Co. to get revenge.
"I think that's the biggest thing about it: It's humbling. You've got to get back to work. When you're so close and within reach, you want that feeling," Maye said. "Everybody says, 'You'll be back.' It's not that easy. So, we've got to get back to work, and I'm looking forward to trying to prove to myself that we can get back and just have another year to get a chance at it."
