Chicago — A.J. Brown acknowledged the challenges he has faced since returning from injury but remains determined to improve his performance as the season progresses. The veteran wide receiver recorded three receptions in each of the Patriots’ last two games, including Thursday night’s 30-24 loss to the Chicago Bears, marking a modest start after missing four games due to injury.

Brown sustained an injury early in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks and was placed on injured reserve, sidelining him for the next four contests. Since his return, he has caught six passes on 16 targets for a total of 75 yards across two games, figures that fall short of expectations for a player of his caliber.

Against the Bears, Brown finished fourth on the team in receiving yards and tied for third in catches, highlighting a continuing difficulty in impacting the game as a primary offensive weapon. He attributed some of the offensive struggles to both the team's conservative approach and the effective coverage by the Bears’ secondary.

“We took a couple of shots today, but I think Drake [Maye] did a really good job at just taking what they gave us,” Brown said, referring to the rookie quarterback’s cautious approach amid pressure. Brown noted that the mix of pass rush and zone coverage created a challenging environment for the passing game.

The Patriots appeared hesitant to attempt deep throws early in the game, which limited Brown’s opportunities. He had one notable deep pass where he was unable to secure the catch but declined to comment on whether defensive interference occurred.

Brown recognized that opposing defenses have focused on limiting his production. “They were trying to take me away early on, and that’s just kind of how the game played out,” he said.

Looking ahead, Brown emphasized that the adjustment period to the offense is over and expressed readiness to deliver at a higher level. “I’m in Week 3 now. There’s no time for that,” he said. “I’ve just got to go out here and try to put my best foot forward, and go ahead and make plays, and keep going.”

He also highlighted the attention he draws from defenses, which often creates opportunities for teammates. “Every time I line up, I get a lot of attention. So teams try to take me away, and it gives a lot of opportunities for other guys to make plays and soften that up for me,” he said. “And then whenever I get my shots, I got to make them.”

Despite the slow start, Brown remained focused on contributing to the team’s success as the season moves forward.