By Steve Silva, Boston.com Staff

Brown, who saw mostly special teams duty on the team in 2010, came up with probably the biggest of New England's four turnovers against the Chargers in his first career start on Sunday.

San Diego QB Philip Rivers was looking to complete his first pass to tight end Antonio Gates halfway through the third quarter but Brown was right there by Gates' side and came up with the pick to stall the Chargers rally.

It was Brown's first interception since high school.

"I had to wait my turn a little bit, but it feel fantastic," Brown said after victory in the Patriots home opener. "Given the opportunity on a team like this, it's just a dream come true. And when you get opportunities like this they only come once in a lifetime so you really have to be ready and take advantage of them."

Brown took full advantage of his starting opportunity Sunday, helping the Patriots defense come up with two interceptions and two fumble recoveries on the day.

"I go into every game thinking I'm going to be able to do something," Brown said. "Get my hand on the ball, or interception, forced fumble or something. So you go in a game thinking you're going to get one, there's a better chance [you will]."