Patriots coach explains controversial JuJu Smith-Schuster moment

New England Patriots wide receivers coach Troy Brown opened up on Tuesday regarding what seemed to be a heated sideline exchange involving wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster during this past Sunday's 10-7 loss at the New York Giants that dropped New England to 2-9. 

"I didn’t say a word. I didn’t go back and forth with anybody," Brown explained, as shared by Nick O'Malley of MassLive. "It happens sometimes. It’s football, man. There’s a lot of heated moments out there, guy's frustrated about what’s going on, he’s just expressing himself. I’ve been there many times myself. So, it’s an understandable reaction for me." 

Per Patriots beat reporter Dakota Randall of NESN, Smith-Schuster and Brown "exchanged words before the receiver slammed his helmet onto its mount and sat on the bench" shortly after New England quarterback Mac Jones tossed an interception in the second quarter of Sunday's loss. Following the defeat, Smith-Schuster said the incident was related to "frustration of wanting to put points on the board." 

Brown defended Smith-Schuster on Tuesday. 

"He’s been great. I have no problem with JuJu. His attitude’s been fantastic," Brown added during his comments. "He’s doing the best he can to be a leader on our side of the ball, on our team. I’ve got no problem with JuJu at all. He actually helps me out all the time, so it’s been good."

Smith-Schuster agreed to a three-year contract in March reportedly worth up to $33M to join the Patriots, but things haven't gone as planned for either party this season. The 27-year-old missed time because of a concussion and recorded just 24 receptions for 159 yards and a touchdown across his first nine games with the organization. Meanwhile, ESPN stats show the Patriots ended Week 12 ranked 31st in the NFL with an average of 13.5 points per game. 

New England hosts the 4-7 Los Angeles Chargers this coming Sunday. It's unclear if Jones or backup Bailey Zappe will start at quarterback for the hosts versus Los Angeles.