Patriots' A.J. Brown Says There's 'No Excuses' for Career-Worst Drops in Return from Injury

A.J. Brown dropped a career-high three passes during Sunday's 26-19 win over the New York Jets, a rough return to the field after the New England Patriots' wideout missed four games on injured reserve with a high-ankle sprain.

"My timing was off. I'm much better than what I put on display today. There's no excuses. I'll be better," Brown told reporters after the contest. "I expect myself to make each one of those plays. I'm more than capable of making those catches."

Brown was the team's big offseason addition but has played in parts of just two games, registering just six catches for 103 yards. But expectations remain high in New England regarding the star wideout.

"First of all, it was great to see him back out there. He looks cool in the huddle. So I'm looking forward to just growing, just building the connection," Drake Maye told reporters after Sunday's win. "I think there's some [on] me, [and] there's obviously some plays he wished he had back. But man, I was just [saying] in the locker room, 'You ain't got to worry about [No.] 1. He's a player in this league. He's going to be one of the best players on the field every time he steps on it.' I told him I'm going to keep coming his way, and I don't really think there's too much [else] to say about it. He's a great player. He's got great hands. He's got great releases, and he was open. I thought he looked good running around."