WR A.J. Brown, PHI (2 Viewers)

[sushinsky4tsar]

I'm not sure if there's a way to find the splits of Ridley with and without Ju Jones in the lineup without going through all of the box scores (too lazy for that at the moment), but I think that would give a pretty good idea of how much this hurts AJB for 2021 given there was plenty of sample size for this.   I know that some of the better podcasts have provided these splits in the past.   Don't hold me to it, but I want to say that Ridley was noticeably better for fantasy with him not in the lineup last year.  However, I also think there was a point in 2019 where I heard the exact opposite.

I tend to agree with the sentiment that he goes from the WR1, to a rock solid WR1.   However, I was also somewhat concerned about the blanket coverage he was set to see before this move.

 

[Gally]

I'm not sure if there's a way to find the splits of Ridley with and without Ju Jones in the lineup without going through all of the box scores (too lazy for that at the moment), but I think that would give a pretty good idea of how much this hurts AJB for 2021 given there was plenty of sample size for this.   I know that some of the better podcasts have provided these splits in the past.   Don't hold me to it, but I want to say that Ridley was noticeably better for fantasy with him not in the lineup last year.  However, I also think there was a point in 2019 where I heard the exact opposite.

I tend to agree with the sentiment that he goes from the WR1, to a rock solid WR1.

I am not sure if this will give you much insight because the offenses are so different.  Ten is a run first offense with a lot less volume through the air so I think this is a little apples to oranges for comparison.  

 

[sushinsky4tsar]

I am not sure if this will give you much insight because the offenses are so different.  Ten is a run first offense with a lot less volume through the air so I think this is a little apples to oranges for comparison.  

Dynamic young WR lining up across from Julio, nothing too splashy at the WR3 spot, somewhat comparable involvement from the TEs, it's not going to tell the whole story, but I think Ridley with and without Julio is certainly worth noting as an AJB owner.   Yeah, TEN has a far superior ground game.   Would you say this means that Julio's presence hurts AJB's fantasy production less than Ridley then?

Quick googling found a December Athletic article on Ridley without Jones, but there were only 4 games at that point.   Kind of what you might expect.   Significant uptick in yards and targets without Julio.  Lower TD rate without.   Overall, probably about 2.3 fantasy points better without Julio in a .5 PPR.   But 4 games is nothing for a sample size.   However, I don't think Ridley did anything to hurt his stats without Julio after last year's shutdown.

Overall, I think "takes a little bit of the wind out of the sails" is probably correct, in comparison to the hype that AJB was getting as the fantasy WR1.   Still see him as prototypical WR1 fantasy stud for 2021.  I will be extremely disappointed and surprised if he's anything less than what he was last year.   For those saying this helps AJB's fantasy production, I would love for them to be right but I don't see it.   I think the big question is whether we count on this defense to be mediocre to putrid in 2021.   If the answer is yes, Brown and Jones should both be in great shape. 

 

[Faust]

The biggest winner in Titans' trade for Julio Jones? It's A.J. Brown

 

[Faust]

Titans WR A.J. Brown said he's still recovering from offseason surgery in both knees. 

"I am not getting impatient, but excited," said Brown, who missed all of the Titans' offseason practices while recovering from multiple knee procedures. "I am excited to get back on the field, and get back out there with my teammates, just to be out there again. I have been rehabbing, and I have been taking it slow. And I'll be back out there soon. ... It's been a real slow grind for me." Brown, 24, said the team believed his season was over after a Week 2 knee injury. He played through the pain and posted 1,075 yards and 11 touchdowns on his way to a WR6 season in fantasy points per game. His training camp status will be an outsized July storyline in fantasy circles. 

SOURCE: TennesseeTitans.com

Jun 30, 2021, 9:57 AM ET

 

[3nOut]

So with Julio coming to town, is AJ Brown still a FF top 12 WR1? Is Julio? Where would you rank Brown? 

 

[Teezee]

So with Julio coming to town, is AJ Brown still a FF top 12 WR1? Is Julio? Where would you rank Brown? 

Yes. If anything Julio will open things up for AJB and the tight ends. 

 

[Adso]

So with Julio coming to town, is AJ Brown still a FF top 12 WR1? Is Julio? Where would you rank Brown? 

Easily top 12. Starts getting fuzzy at top 8. Rose colored glasses gets him in top 5 though it's less of a stretch if Rodgers doesn't play another game in GB.

 

[Faust]

A.J. Brown (knees) was cleared for the start of training camp.

Brown missed Tennessee's offseason program recovering from surgery in both knees. The Titans may limit his reps early but this puts Brown on track for Week 1. Titans LT Taylor Lewan (knee) also avoided the active/PUP list.

SOURCE: tennesseetitans.com

Jul 25, 2021, 11:32 AM ET

 

[GoBirds]

On CBS he has a Q status for week 1, is there anything to see here or are we good?

 

[-jb-]

On CBS he has a Q status for week 1, is there anything to see here or are we good?

I THINK we’re good based on what the team has said consistently, but I’m admittedly nervous. 

 

[Faust]

August 23:

Source: Tennessee Titans WR A.J. Brown expected to be ready for season opener despite knee injury

 

[GoBirds]

August 23:

Source: Tennessee Titans WR A.J. Brown expected to be ready for season opener despite knee injury

Thanks Faust, hopefully no news is good news since 23rd?

 

[Bri]

He's way more explosive in videos shared. It's been a common off-season mention too.

I hope he does well and it catches on around the league. A strong WR launching at the LOS is a beautiful thing

 

[Faust]

A.J. Brown (knee) is not practicing Wednesday.

Brown was riding the stationary bike off to the side at Wednesday's practice. It could be more of a maintenance day for Brown, who missed a lot of the summer following offseason surgeries on both knees. If he's unable to play Week 1 against the Cardinals, Julio Jones and Josh Reynolds would get big boosts.

SOURCE: Turron Davenport on Twitter

Sep 8, 2021, 2:48 PM ET

 

[travdogg]

Not worried about Brown missing practice at all. It seems like that might just be his thing, much like Julio actually.

 

[SayWhat?]

Not worried about Brown missing practice at all. It seems like that might just be his thing, much like Julio actually.

Boy, a 23 year old WR coming off double knee surgery having “unrelated” knee soreness and not practicing seems like a textbook scenario to be concerned about.  

 

[tricky92]

Boy, a 23 year old WR coming off double knee surgery having “unrelated” knee soreness and not practicing seems like a textbook scenario to be concerned about.  

I don't see anything related to "knee soreness." Is there another report that I missed?

 

[dkp993]

Boy, a 23 year old WR coming off double knee surgery having “unrelated” knee soreness and not practicing seems like a textbook scenario to be concerned about.  

If it’s anything like last year, and yes I know he was injured, they always gave him Wednesdays off if I remember right. I think it’s just a maintenance deal.

 

[LawFitz]

If it’s anything like last year, and yes I know he was injured, they always gave him Wednesdays off if I remember right. I think it’s just a maintenance deal.

Rode AJB to a championship last year. The bolded was true pretty much every week - yet he'd still go out each Sunday and ball out. I passed on him this season b/c I didn't want to roll the dice any longer on the knee suffering a setback. Coming off of two surgeries, it's a caveat emptor situation, but one where the player himself has proven tougher than nails and able to outperform his peers even when gimpy. I suspect he'll practice tomorrow and Friday and by Sunday will roll.

 

[dkp993]

Rode AJB to a championship last year. The bolded was true pretty much every week - yet he'd still go out each Sunday and ball out. I passed on him this season b/c I didn't want to roll the dice any longer on the knee suffering a setback. Coming off of two surgeries, it's a caveat emptor situation, but one where the player himself has proven tougher than nails and able to outperform his peers even when gimpy. I suspect he'll practice tomorrow and Friday and by Sunday will roll.

I did too.  He was my keeper in the same league this year.  I’m not overly concerned about the knees and surgeries until it becomes apparent I need to be.  And I’m a guy who’s had 4 knee surgeries (2 on each) so know how serious they can be.  

 

[Teezee]

My favorite WR in the NFL. His knees should be scared of him. Darkhorse to lead the NFL in receiving touchdowns.

 

[Faust]

Buck Reising @BuckReising

A.J. Brown is only the 5th player since 1970 with 2,000 receiving yards and 20 touchdown receptions in his first 31 career games. 

Others in that category: Odell Beckham, Jr., Julio Jones, Randy Moss and John Jefferson

https://twitter.com/buckreising/status/1439232609536593925?s=21

 

[tangfoot]

This feels a little like cherry picking stats.  Mike Evans had 2,250 yards and 15 touchdowns in his first 30 games.  Which of these people surpassed or matched that?

 

[-jb-]

Wasn’t able to watch much of this game, but AJ’s box score is underwhelming. Obviously JJ went off but AJ actually had more targets. What’s the deal here? Did he just underproduce, was he doubled all game? What happened?

 

[-jb-]

Oh, and this is gold, Jerry. 
 

https://twitter.com/1kalwaysopen_/status/1439766438298808328?s=21

“Someone from my family told me I wouldn’t have caught COVID today if I tried too Lmao”

 

[facook]

Wasn’t able to watch much of this game, but AJ’s box score is underwhelming. Obviously JJ went off but AJ actually had more targets. What’s the deal here? Did he just underproduce, was he doubled all game? What happened?

The Seahawks D did a good job on him, breaking up a couple of passes that would have helped his box score a bunch. But he did have a couple of uncharacteristic drops (for him).  One was on a skinny post about 20 yards down the left hash.  He was open but felt the safety coming quickly and let the ball bounce off of his hands.

Another was about 15ish yards up the right sideline.  It would have been a tough catch but one he makes routinely.  Just a bad day for him.  Hoping he starts turning it on next week, but the way Julio played yesterday could be more of a negative than a positive for those of us invested in AJB.

 

[Sam Quentin]

Are AJ Brown owners worried?

Is the a chance to buy low ?  Was last season a fluke?

 

[-jb-]

Are AJ Brown owners worried?

Is the a chance to buy low ?  Was last season a fluke?

I don’t think last season was a fluke, but I’m slightly concerned. I think he’s a tremendous player. I kind of wrote off the OC leaving because they promoted from within, but I see them letting Tannehill improvise more and that’s troublesome to me. He’s still doing ok from a completion percentage perspective, but also responsible for four turnovers.  When they kept him tight on his plays (handoff, play action or first read), it limited his mistakes. I think AJ will snap back but not off to a great start. 

 

[facook]

I don’t think last season was a fluke, but I’m slightly concerned. I think he’s a tremendous player. I kind of wrote off the OC leaving because they promoted from within, but I see them letting Tannehill improvise more and that’s troublesome to me. He’s still doing ok from a completion percentage perspective, but also responsible for four turnovers.  When they kept him tight on his plays (handoff, play action or first read), it limited his mistakes. I think AJ will snap back but not off to a great start. 

The analytics guys have pointed to the new OC being much less effective than Smith already... e.g. not using play action enough, too much run/run/pass play calling, etc.  I believe I read they only threw 3 PA passes in the whole first half Sunday.  With Derek Henry back there to fake to.  That's ungood.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

The analytics guys have pointed to the new OC being much less effective than Smith already... e.g. not using play action enough, too much run/run/pass play calling, etc.  I believe I read they only threw 3 PA passes in the whole first half Sunday.  With Derek Henry back there to fake to.  That's ungood.

I might remind folks that Tennessee did WIN the game this past week. I admire all the insight but the feelings about Brown and the Titans within that locker room after beating Seattle on the road after getting ripped by Arizona, don't think they are viewing all this the same as we are. 

Analytics, you are very straight forward with where and how you arrive at some of this, great stuff btw. Little worried folks are too quick to jump to conclusions. Seems like Henry saved them last week. Long season, things will change week to week, they always do. 

 

[facook]

I might remind folks that Tennessee did WIN the game this past week. I admire all the insight but the feelings about Brown and the Titans within that locker room after beating Seattle on the road after getting ripped by Arizona, don't think they are viewing all this the same as we are. 

Analytics, you are very straight forward with where and how you arrive at some of this, great stuff btw. Little worried folks are too quick to jump to conclusions. Seems like Henry saved them last week. Long season, things will change week to week, they always do. 

Totally fair.  And of course they (including AJB) are much more pleased with the game result than some of us are with his production in the game.  I'm not panicking, but mildly concerned.  I had him at somewhere in the WR 4-6 range pre-draft.  Just hoping to get that return on the pick.

 

[dkp993]

The Seahawks D did a good job on him, breaking up a couple of passes that would have helped his box score a bunch. But he did have a couple of uncharacteristic drops (for him).  One was on a skinny post about 20 yards down the left hash.  He was open but felt the safety coming quickly and let the ball bounce off of his hands.

Another was about 15ish yards up the right sideline.  It would have been a tough catch but one he makes routinely.  Just a bad day for him.  Hoping he starts turning it on next week, but the way Julio played yesterday could be more of a negative than a positive for those of us invested in AJB.

All true.  To add to it, that first big drop if he catches it he houses it. That’s what he was setting up IMO and dropped his eyes.  The sideline catch he grabs 9/10 times.  Bad day for him for sure.  But he’s had days like this and bounces back.  I liked the amount of targets he got. 

 

[sushinsky4tsar]

Didn't watch the game, but considering the damage that Henry did in the 2nd half, along with Julio's production, I feel a lot better about the Arthur Smith factor than I did following week 1.   Do you think Vrabel tore Downing a new one at the half?   At the end of the day, I was kind of banking on the fact that Vrabel was competent enough at HC to step in and restore order if the new OC was coming up short.   Not sure if that's what happened, perhaps there are Titans fans that can provide some insight. 

I suspect that there will be plenty of games where fantasy owners of one of the big three will be left feeling somewhat disappointed.   In week 2, it was AJB.   The fact that a drop contributed to the poor fantasy showing makes it acceptable.   Fully expect the short straw to rotate as the season progresses.  Also hoping for plenty of weeks where everybody eats.   All three underwhelming like week 1 is not an option.    Hopefully, that was the blip and the 2nd half is more of what we will see going forward.

 

[ffmail4me]

I love AJB...I own him in lost of dynasty leagues, but he was AWFUL Sunday. By far, his worst game as a pro. Had at least 4 drops IMO (whether they officially recorded it as a drop or not is irrelevant, he had lots of drops) Hope he bounces back this week. Julio did after week 1 so hoping he'll do the same next week....

 

[The Frankman]

A.J. Brown (hamstring) has been ruled out for the remainder of the Titans’ Week 3 game against the Colts.

Brown came out of the locker room after the first half in no pads and a t-shirt. Brown's status will be a hot-button issue for fantasy football this coming week. Soft-tissue injuries do tend to linger. The Titans' star wideout had three rushing yards and two empty targets before leaving the game in the middle of the first quarter.

 

[voiceofunreason]

Well, that's some start to the year. 

 

[Ardbeg4ever]

I thought I got a steal at %6 of auction budget but I think I overpaid.

 

[The Frankman]

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports A.J. Brown is expected to be considered week-to-week with a strained hamstring. 

Brown left in Week 3 in the first quarter and was subsequently ruled out. The week-to-week status means Brown should miss the Titans' Week 4 matchup with the Jets. Given how beatable the Jets are through the air, Julio Jones, with an increased role, could push for WR1 numbers. Chester Rodgers should be the next man up at receiver. He is tied at third on the Titans with 13 targets and scored in the red zone last week. Derrick Henry, who has already been more involved in the passing game this year, figures to maintain his surprising target numbers with the lack of receiving talent Tennessee has behind Jones. 

- Adam Schefter, Twitter

 

[Bri]

I'd guess he misses jets and jags and returns for Bills

 

[Faust]

A.J. Brown (hamstring) was ruled out for Week 4 against the Jets.

Same for Julio Jones (hamstring), who failed to practice at any point throughout the week. Brown remains week-to-week with his soft tissue injury, potentially eyeing a return for Tennessee's next home game in Week 6 on Monday night. Some machination of Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Josh Reynolds, Chester Rogers, and Marcus Johnson will fill-in in the interim, though Derrick Henry's usage in the receiving game could simply increase with this development. Ryan Tannehill should be downgraded in re-draft leagues even against the Jets.

SOURCE: Terry McCormick on Twitter

Oct 1, 2021, 2:06 PM ET

 

[Helaire-ious]

Anyone seeing AJB dynasty PPR trades lately? I'm trying to sell. Scary Terry owner sniffing around, but also wants Sutton. Too much based on that, but the rest of the deal was his Kelce & Aaron Jones added & my Goedert & Zeke added.

I'm in win now mode as well

 

[TampaMike19]

Anyone seeing AJB dynasty PPR trades lately? I'm trying to sell. Scary Terry owner sniffing around, but also wants Sutton. Too much based on that, but the rest of the deal was his Kelce & Aaron Jones added & my Goedert & Zeke added.

I'm in win now mode as well

Why sell when value has fallen? 

 

[iamkoza]

I'd guess he misses jets and jags and returns for Bills

we'll see... if he practices in some form next week then we at least have a shot he can return week 6

 

[Helaire-ious]

Why sell when value has fallen? 

I don't think it has fallen just yet as this is a dynasty league.

 

[kyoun1e]

Has there been any indication how long AJ is out?

Any internet doctors diagnosing the injury?

Thinking of buying low, but not if he's out for another 5 weeks.

 

[Bri]

Went through stretch and individual today, not team portion.

It seems they're in "let's test it" mode

 

[Faust]

NBC Sports Edge:

A.J. Brown (hamstring) returned to a limited practice Wednesday.

Brown was referred to as week-to-week after suffering the hamstring injury in Week 3, but returning to practice this early bodes well for his odds of playing in Week 5. Tennessee was without Brown and Julio Jones last week and the results weren't pretty. The Jets' secondary held them to 253 passing yards despite the game making it to overtime. If Brown is able to face Jacksonville this week, he'll be a high-end WR2 with increased downside based on the injury. His return will also help Ryan Tannehill, who has struggled to produce meaningful fantasy weeks so far. 

Oct 6, 2021, 4:26 PM ET

 

[Boston]

Went through stretch and individual today, not team portion.

It seems they're in "let's test it" mode

How do you value him in Dynasty?  He is still very young but it feels like he always has something nagging going on…just bad luck or should that be a concern?

 

[TampaMike19]

How do you value him in Dynasty?  He is still very young but it feels like he always has something nagging going on…just bad luck or should that be a concern?

Probably as good a buy low as any