New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown got an early reminder during training camp of what it’s like to play for head coach Mike Vrabel.
Brown had experience before on a team coached by Vrabel, as the two used to be together with the Tennessee Titans. But that shared history did not seem to matter to Vrabel when he chewed on Brown after the wideout failed to secure a catch during the first day of New England’s training camp on Saturday.
“First team meeting [Vrabel] ripped me for almost bringing in a catch; he expected me to make that play,” Brown told reporters on Monday, via Patriots Press Conferences.
“Early on, as a rookie, I didn’t really like that too much. But now I know it comes from a great place and he expects me to make that play, and so do I,” added Brown, who should enjoy plenty more looks from quarterback Drake Maye, as they continue to build on their chemistry.
Brown gives New England’s passing attack a huge shot in the arm after four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he won a Super Bowl during the 2024 season. With Stefon Diggs gone, the 29-year-old Brown essentially becomes Drake Maye’s top downfield target, someone who is capable of drawing plenty of attention from opposing defenses and opening things up for the Patriots’ other receivers.
A three-time Pro Bowler, Brown has posted at least 1,000 receiving yards in six of his seven seasons in the NFL. Last year, he racked up 1,0003 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns on 78 receptions with the Eagles.
