A.J. Brown’s injury exposes Patriots’ biggest offensive problem in crushing Seahawks loss

A.J. Brown went down with an injury in the early third quarter, and so did the New England Patriots a quarter later. The Seattle Seahawks scored 10 in the final quarter to win 13-10 at home.

New England didn't need Brown to give a spectacular debut. They aspired for him to become the difference-maker on offense and for a while, the wide receiver was doing just that. However, as soon as he left, the Patriots' offense eventually unraveled with him on the sideline. 

Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett's right knee landed hard on Brown's ankle in the third quarter, with Patriots quarterback Drake Maye passing. After the unsuccessful third-down pass, the newly acquired wide receiver remained on the ground before slowly walking off the field and eventually to the locker room. He was initially listed as questionable before the Patriots ruled him out at the start of the fourth quarter.

Brown may have finished with just three catches for 26 yards, but his impact didn't go unnoticed. Early in the game, when Maye underthrew Brown on a deep flea-flicker, the former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver battled through tight coverage and drew a 34-yard defensive pass interference penalty. This put New England in position to score their first touchdown as rookie tight end Eli Raridon caught a 2-yard touchdown pass.

That play was enough evidence to suggest why New England traded a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick for Brown three months ago.

The Patriots were up 10-0 before the Seahawks mounted their comeback in the final two quarters. With Brown not available on the field, the Seahawks tightened up on other wideouts, resulting in three interceptions from Maye, including the game-sealing one in the end zone with 26 seconds remaining. Maye's stat line worsened after Brown exited, as he finished 23-of-33 for 178 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions.

One can only wonder whether New England could have won the season opener had Brown stayed on the field. Instead, his injury left the Patriots offense exposed.

MORE: What A.J. Brown's injury in season opener means for Drake Maye and Patriots offense

Patriots players react to A.J. Brown's ankle injury

New England will hope A.J. Brown's injury is not severe. From the reactions recorded, it does seem to be the case.

After the loss, Brown was spotted wearing a protective boot in the locker room. Patriots captain and safety Kevin Byard III met the wide receiver and shared that he was in "good spirits." Moreover, Drake Maye knows Brown "will fight hard to get back and help his team this year."

Fortunately for the Patriots, they get an extended break with their next game scheduled on Sept. 20 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Brown may recover in that time if the injury isn't severe.

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