Eagles need WR A.J. Brown more involved in offense

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown. Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Eagles need star WR A.J. Brown more involved in offense

By Sean Barnard | Last updated 10/10/22

The Philadelphia Eagles (5-0) remain the NFL's only undefeated team, but not everything is roses and balloons. WR A.J. Brown, who had a 10-reception, 155-yard game in Week 1, had his worst game as an Eagle in Week 5.

In the four games since his breakout game, Brown has 281 yards receiving -- including 32 yards on three receptions (seven targets) in the win against the Cardinals on Sunday. It's solid production overall, but the Eagles need more to stay atop the rejuvenated NFC East.

In fairness to Brown, much of his paltry Week 5 production can be traced to how the game played out. A flurry of injuries to the offensive line and the Cardinals' tendency to often blitz resulted in little time for Jalen Hurts to pass.

To counter the blitz, the Eagles relied on screen passes, which resulted in Hurts looking to Dallas Goedert, DeVonta Smith, and Quez Watkins.

Jalen Hurts threw 13 passes targeting WR screens in Week 5, the most by any QB in a game over the last five seasons.

As a result, Hurts averaged 3.8 air yards per attempt (2nd-lowest of career).#PHIvsARI | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/1UG1BF5dNn
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) October 9, 2022

Although the Eagles won, it was clear the offense did not function as planned.

Getting Brown more involved must be a priority. The big-play potential of the team's most physical wide receiver is a key ingredient in the offense. As for Brown, he must find a way to establish himself in the red zone, where he has only one TD catch.

There is no reason for the Eagles to panic. But pumping up their star wide receiver's production must be a goal -- especially with the Cowboys (4-1) in town in Week 6.

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