A.J. Brown’s return to the Patriots lineup Sunday didn’t go according to plan.
It didn’t value the Pats the recreation against the Jets, who were on the quick finish of a 26-19 contest in Foxborough, but Brown struggled mightily, and he knew it. He famous his timing.
“I didn’t play well,” Brown informed reporters. “I don’t know if the timing was off. I’m much better than what I put on display today, there’s no excuses. I’ll be better.”
Brown struggled Sunday, credited with three dropped passes while catching just three of his 10 targets for 27 yards in his first recreation since Week 1.
“Yeah, I’m all good,” Brown said. “Again, no matter whatever question you guys ask, I’m going to tell you guys there’s no excuses. I stacked my guy, should have made the play. I beat my guy on third down, should have made the play. So, ankle or not, I’ll make all those plays.”
AJ Brown had three drops against the Jets. Getty Images
Brown had missed the Patriots’ earlier 4 video games after struggling a excessive ankle sprain in their season opener against the Seattle Seahawks.
His return included a number of missed alternatives, including a deep go from quarterback Drake Maye in the second quarter that could have resulted in a 61-yard landing.
Brown also failed to safe a late onside kick try by the Jets, although Patriots tight finish Eli Raridon recovered the free ball to protect the victory.
A.J. Brown on his play in his return:
“There’s no excuses…Just trying to get going again…Put this to bed really fast, I’m gonna watch the tape, and it’s over, imma flush it.”
–@CLNSMedia pic.twitter.com/yDnh1PBjlV
— Patriots on CLNS (@PatriotsCLNS) October 18, 2026
“I think he could’ve probably made a few more plays, come down with a few more plays,” Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said. “He’s been out for a while. I know that he wanted to do well for his football team, and unfortunately it wasn’t his best effort. I know that he knows that, and we have all the confidence in the world in A.J. just to be able to finish those plays.”
Drake Maye was excited to see his No. 1 goal back in the huddle, and assures that this isn’t a concern long-term.
A.J. Brown of the New England Patriots seems on from the bench during the fourth quarter against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026. Getty Images
“First of all, it was great to see him back out there,” Maye said. “It was cool to see a different guy in the huddle. Man, he looks cool in the huddle. So, I’m looking forward to just growing, just building the connection. I think there’s some obvious plays he wish he had back, but man, I was just telling him in the locker room, ‘Man, you ain’t got to worry about one.’”
Brown has time — but not much time. The 4-2 Pats return to motion Thursday against the Bears, who will also be looking for their fifth win of the season.