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FOXBORO — A.J. Brown has made an interesting observation at Patriots training camp this summer. When cornerback Christian Gonzalez faces other Patriots wide receivers, Brown notices a calm, relaxed, fluid cornerback. But when it’s Brown lining up across from Gonzalez during full-team drills? “He’s going a little bit more,” Brown said, smiling. Gonzalez certainly seems more talkative and demonstrative when matched up against Brown. Gonzalez appeared to point a finger at Brown after breaking up a pass earlier this week. Brown said it’s nothing “personal.” “Every day is a battle with him, man, and it’s nothing but respect,” Brown said. “And ultimately, it’s not about me and him. We’re out here competing. All of us are challenging each other, and ultimately for the greater good of the team. So it’s nothing. We’re guys going back and forth. Guys are trying to play hard and compete. That’s all.” It’s been a pretty evenly matched competition between Brown and Gonzalez this summer with each player earning wins. Brown claims he’s not much of a talker. Gonzalez was known as a silent assassin himself before Brown joined the team. Gonzalez said Thursday that it’s the competition with Brown that makes him talk more trash. “I’m not really sitting here trying to talk,” Brown said. “I want my play to speak for me. I actually talk to myself, so he may hear me talking to myself, and he may take it like I’m talking to him. We’re teammates at the end of the day, and we’re just competing.” Brown also has the utmost respect for Gonzalez, dating back to the time when the Patriots cornerback was a prospect coming out of Oregon in 2023. Brown was a guest analyst on Bleacher Report’s 2023 NFL Draft show. “I definitely see All-Pro in this guy’s future,” Brown said after the Patriots selected Gonzalez 17th overall. “I definitely felt like he was the best cornerback in this draft. … He wants to be hands-on. He’s a great ball-hawker in and out of his breaks. He’s a total package.” The sentiment remains the same. “He’s definitely at the top of the list,” Brown said Friday. “He’s been growing each and every year. As far as like top of the guys, man, I took my losses, and I earned my wins with Chris Harris Jr., Jalen Ramsey — prime Jalen Ramsey in Jacksonville. Just stacking those guys up there. Obviously, yes, I believe he’s up there.” The verbal spats between Patriots offensive and defensive players have Brown happy that the Colts are coming to Gillette Stadium for joint practices on Tuesday. There have been no fights in Patriots training camp yet, but there’s a risk that would change if things weren’t switching up soon. “I believe we need to go against somebody else because we’re right at the edge, and that’s good for a team,” Brown said. “That’s really good for a team. But that mentality on both sides, and going back and forth, and we’re toeing the line. … “We’re walking that line. Both sides, so that’s why I think we’re gonna be excited for the Colts coming up.” Brown ultimately believes the competition between himself and Gonzalez is not only setting a tone for the rest of the team but paying off. Gonzalez is widely considered one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL and should be rewarded with a contract extension. Brown, one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, was acquired by the Patriots from the Eagles for a 2028 first-round pick and 2027 fifth-round pick this offseason. “Every single rep that I take, I’m just trying to get better,” Brown said. “I’m crafting, and no matter who I’m going against, I’m trying to win. And so that’s just my mentality and my mindset.” Brown and Gonzalez is one of the better individual matchups that have taken place on the practice fields behind Gillette Stadium. Brown faces competition in his own receiver room, as well, as Romeo Doubs, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, Efton Chism and Kyle Williams battle it out for reps below him on the depth chart. “We have a very talented room,” Brown said. “Guys come to work each and every day and want to be here and want to and want to make plays, most importantly.” The Patriots have the weekend off, then will hold a practice closed to fans on Monday. Tuesday’s joint practice with the Colts will be open to the public. Then the Patriots will have Wednesday off before Thursday’s home preseason game against the Colts.