
To this point in the season, the Philadelphia Eagles remain a winning team and can rightfully claim the title of defending Super Bowl champions. But, there's been trouble brewing for a while now, specifically regarding wide receiver A.J. Brown.
Dating back to last season, it's been pretty clear that Brown simply wants the football, as any top-tier wide receiver should. But, the deeper issue is the fact that quarterback Jalen Hurts has struggled getting Brown the ball. Whether it's an off-target pass or simply not noticing Brown open on a route, the connection hasn't been there.
So long as the Eagles keep winning, though, it's an issue that can be put on the back burner. But coming off their first loss of the season, the Eagles are now hearing the noise grow louder. Ahead of a Week 6 matchup with the Eagles, New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll was asked about Brown and what he's seen from the Eagles offense this season.
“You watch the tape … AJ (Brown) is open a lot," Daboll told the New York media.
But it isn't exactly quiet, anymore.
For a long time, Brown has shown his frustration in a variety of ways. Whether it be via social media, locker room quotes or postgame sessions with the media, Brown has veen visibly frustrated. He cannot deny it at this point.
Whether or not he tries to say and do the right thing, Brown's frustration continues to seep, and why shouldn't it?
Brown is posting a career-low catch percentage of just 52.8 through five games. He's caught 19 of 36 targets on the season for just 194 yards and a single touchdown.
Twice, this season, Brown has been held to under 10 receiving yards. Another time, he finished with 27 yards on five catches -- yes, that's as disgusting an average as it sounds.
There is no beating around the bush at this point. Rival coaches are noticing what Brown has been upset about for weeks. Nick Sirianni, Hurts, and the rest of the offensive staff have to figure out a way to get one of this offense's best players the football.
If they don't get it addressed, this could be an eerily similar ending to a couple of seasons ago, where the Eagles continue to win and waltz into the playoffs with a whole lot less momentum than they'd like.
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