The [New England Patriots](https://nesn.com/new-england-patriots) received one hidden advantage from opening the NFL season on a Wednesday.
They now have extra time to solve an unexpected offensive problem.
A.J. Brown was placed on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain, meaning he must miss at least four game. . New England does not play again until Sept. 20 against Pittsburgh. That unusual gap gives offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels an opportunity to install a passing plan designed for the players who actually will be available.
Patriots Cannot Simply Replace Brown
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No receiver on New England’s roster can reproduce Brown’s combination of size, route-running and yards after the catch. That makes a committee approach necessary.
Romeo Doubs can handle a larger collection of intermediate routes. Mack Hollins supplies size and blocking. Kyle Williams offers speed, while the tight ends can become more prominent against linebackers and safeties.
McDaniels also should use formations that prevent defenses from identifying the intended replacement.
Moving receivers across the formation, using two tight ends and releasing running backs into space can give Drake Maye answers before Pittsburgh’s pressure arrives.
The Patriots cannot ask Maye to compensate for Brown’s absence by becoming more aggressive downfield. Seattle intercepted Maye three times in the fourth quarter after he stopped accepting the shorter completions available against zone coverage. Removing his most trusted receiver makes patience even more important.
**MORE: [Patriots Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels Describes Team's 'All-Hands' Approach Without A.J. Brown](https://nesn.com/new-england-patriots/news/patriots-josh-mcdaniels-approach-aj-brown/d3feaac30bf91da04fa1c626)**
Extra Preparation Must Produce Clarity
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New England’s offensive players will have more than a normal game week to practice their adjusted roles. That should help route timing and communication, particularly for Doubs after a difficult debut. It also gives the Patriots time to evaluate whether another receiver should be elevated or added.
The Steelers’ defensive front will punish uncertainty.
McDaniels needs to provide Maye with quick decisions and manageable third downs. The running game must remain involved, but New England cannot repeat an early-down approach that becomes predictable. Brown’s injury changes the offense. It does not excuse poor structure.
The Patriots have enough time to build something functional before their home opener. Their task is to spread Brown’s responsibilities instead of pretending one player can inherit all of them.
More Patriots
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