Latest A.J. Brown injury update is exactly what the New England Patriots need heading into key Lions matchup
The Patriots are overseas and are looking to avoid sinking to .500 against the Lions. A.J. Brown’s return to the field can help them do just that.
It’s safe to say the New England Patriots-A.J. Brown experience has not gone the way both parties expected it to go so far this year.
Brown has been hurt since the first game of the season when he injured his knee trying to reel in a pass from Drake Maye. He’s played just 132 offensive snaps over the course of three games and has caught a meager nine passes for 101 on 20 targets.
He missed the last two games against the Miami Dolphins and the Green Bay Packers, as well. Overall, the Patriots certainly haven’t gotten the return on investment they want to receive after sending a 2028 first-rounder to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Well, the hope is Brown can get on track this week against the Detroit Lions, as he’s cleared to play, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. It’s a big boost for the Patriots offense, regardless of what’s happened so far this year, and Brown has a very enticing matchup against a struggling Lions secondary.
A.J. Brown can have a big day against the Lions secondary
Per Next Gen Stats, the Lions give up the most passing yards per game (260.9) and they’ve allowed the third-most touchdowns (18) so far this year. The secondary is allowing the fourth-highest EPA/pass (+0.11), as well.
The key to throwing against the Lions is stopping the pass rush. Aidan Hutchinson and Co. are as effective as ever this year thanks to their 27 sacks on the season, which currently ranks third-most. Their pressure rate is right around mid-pack, however, signaling an opportunistic pass rush before anything else.
The Lions have pulled this off despite blitzing just 30.7% of the time, which ranks 18th. Meaning, they can get after the quarterback with four pass rushers and that’s a necessary requirement for a defense to have success in today’s NFL.
Regardless, expect A.J. Brown to make some plays if Maye stays upright and clean (for the most part).
RB Rhamondre Stevenson will play, too
The Patriots also received another nice boost in Stevenson’s availability. It’s especially important when considering the team placed Treveyon Henderson on IR earlier in the week.
Stevenson’s been dealing with a knee injury. The Patriots would’ve been reduced to using Corey Kiner, Lan Larison, and potentially even Terrell Jennings if Stevenson couldn’t go. Kiner has shown some promise when he’s been on the field, but the point stands that all three players combine for just 101 carries over the course of their respective careers.
Either way, the strength of the Patriots offense runs through Maye and the passing attack and said attack now has its best weapon back on the field. We’ll see if the Patriots are able to score some points and pull off the upset in Munich.
