​Why A.J. Brown Is Exactly What Drake Maye, Patriots Need to Take Offense to Next Level originally appeared on NESN.
Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.During the Patriots’ dynasty years, the team had an embarrassment of riches on offense with matchup nightmares like Rob Gronkowski and Randy Moss as well as reliable targets like Julian Edelman and Wes Welker.However, in recent seasons, New England has been lacking an explosive option on the perimeter. The Pats have been searching for the kind of talent that forces defensive coordinators to change their plans in order to shut down one player.Well, A.J. Brown has arrived.Earlier this year, the Patriots acquired Brown from the Eagles in exchange for a 2027 fifth-round pick and 2028 first-round pick. Yes, the price was steep, but New England addressed a major weakness.Adding Brown could be the game-changing move that pushes the Patriots’ offense, led by MVP candidate Drake Maye, over the hump.How A.J. Brown could take the Patriots to the next levelThe Patriots had Stefon Diggs as their No. 1 wide receiver last season, and he posted solid numbers, leading the team in targets (102), receptions (85) and receiving yards (1,013). At this stage of his career, though, Diggs is simply not the same kind of threat as Brown.Brown is a physical wideout who can beat man-to-man-coverage with his strength or speed. Since he was drafted in 2019, Brown leads the league in catches and yards on tight-window targets, per NFL.com.Among all qualified passers last season, Maye had the top marks in completion percentage (72.0) and yards per attempt (8.9). Maye’s ability to throw downfield with accuracy pairs perfectly with Brown’s strengths.”He’s very special. He makes my job a lot easier,” Brown said of Maye (via ESPN). “He can place the ball anywhere.”Brown should also feel comfortable playing under Mike Vrabel, who previously coached Brown in Tennessee. Vrabel has seen Brown grow not only as a wide receiver, but also as a leader who sets an example for the youngsters.”I think that the maturity has been probably what I’ve appreciated seeing on a daily basis,” Vrabel said (via Sports Illustrated). “We had A.J. as a young player, continued that relationship personally, and I could sense that he was growing and making strides in that regard.”But having him here and seeing him each and every day in the way that he communicates and where he’s at the training room and his routine (has impressed me).”At 29 years old, Brown is right in the middle of his prime, and he is motivated to prove that he still belongs in the top tier of wide receivers. Sure, other players like offseason acquisition Romeo Doubs and returning tight end Hunter Henry will be important contributors for the Patriots, but Brown may be the true missing piece that unlocks this offense.A.J. Brown career statsYearTeamGPRecYdsAvgLngTD2019TEN16521,05120.29182020TEN14701,07515.473112021TEN136386913.85752022PHI17881,49617.078112023PHI171061