From the episode
My hot take is that AJ Brown has overall wide receiver one upside... I think motivation was such a huge problem for Brown last year. I think the relationship between him and Hurts had deteriorated... I think some of what we saw could be effort based... they were plus three point two percent in pass rate over expected over the full year... when they were facing a second and eight or greater. They were a plus twelve point nine percent pass rate over expected. That is a monster number.
STACKED’s take
WR 1 upside in 2026; motivation-based decline in Philly; Patriots system strong.
JJ Zachariason's bold take: AJ Brown has overall WR 1 upside in 2026. Zachariason was prepared to hate Brown after last year's decline, viewing him as a big-bodied receiver breaking down with age; however, he believes motivation was a huge problem last year—the relationship between Brown and Hurts deteriorated, and Brown was upset with play-calling and the Philadelphia situation. Zachariason views the decline as effort-based rather than talent-based. The Patriots trade provides a fresh start with new motivation and a new lease on life. The Patriots offense is strong: +3.2% pass rate over expected over the full year, 12th in neutral pass rate, and +12.9% pass rate over expected on second-and-8 or greater (a monster number showing smart play-calling). Zachariason draws a parallel to Saquon Barkley's resurgence with Philadelphia and notes Brown loves his new coach.
A.J. BrownWR · NEPlayer page — value, ADP, projections, and every insight