A.J. Brown says Mike Vrabel’s Patriots camp critique came from care
A.J. Brown said Mike Vrabel called him out after a missed camp catch, but the Patriots receiver took it as a sign of high expectations.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
3 min read
The A.J. Brown-Mike Vrabel reunion in New England got spicy fast: Brown said the Patriots coach called him out in a team meeting after he failed to finish the first pass thrown his way in training camp.
According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, the moment came on the opening throw of camp from quarterback Drake Maye, who later said he had targeted Brown along the left sideline because he wanted to begin with a “bang.” Brown got a hand on the ball with cornerback Christian Gonzalez tight in coverage, but he did not complete the catch.
Brown told reporters Monday, after New England’s third practice of camp in Foxborough, Mass., that Vrabel used the miss as teaching material right away. Brown said Vrabel “ripped” him in the first team meeting for not securing the ball.
The wide receiver said he heard that kind of criticism differently than he might have earlier in his career. Brown played for Vrabel with the Tennessee Titans from 2019 through 2021, and said that as a rookie he did not enjoy that style as much. Now, Brown said, he understands Vrabel’s point comes from expectations.
What did Mike Vrabel say to A.J. Brown?
Brown said Vrabel criticized him in front of the team for failing to bring in the first catch of camp. Brown told reporters he now believes Vrabel’s message came from a “great place” and a “genuine place,” because both coach and player expect him to make that play.
Brown also said he had done the difficult part by catching the ball away from his body, but did not finish it with his other hand. He joked that Vrabel may have thought he was trying to fire up the crowd, while adding that neither he nor Vrabel cares about style points.
The exchange is an early snapshot of Brown’s new start with the Patriots after ESPN reported he was acquired in a June 1 trade from the Philadelphia Eagles. Brown, who turned 29 on June 30, said he feels he is in a “pretty good spot” with New England’s offense.
Brown estimated he has learned about 90% of the playbook and said he likes the variety in offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels’ system. He also said he is still building timing with Maye, with “non-stop communication” between the two as camp develops.
That timing work showed up again during Sunday’s second practice, according to ESPN. Maye threw deep to Brown, the high pass was tipped, and safety Craig Woodson came down with an interception.
Brown pointed to that play as an example of the route details he and Maye are still refining, including the angles Maye wants. Brown called Maye a “true professional” and said he believes coaches are easing the quarterback into downfield throws early in camp.
Brown’s read on the situation was calm. He said the connection will improve as part of normal camp progress, and described his early Patriots days as upbeat, saying he comes to work smiling around teammates who are pushing each other and holding one another accountable.
This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.