Eagles WR A.J. Brown Provides Bold Take On Teammate

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown is ready for a big year from a certain teammate of his, and no; it’s not quarterback Jalen Hurts.

Well, I’m sure Brown fully expect Hurts to have a great season in 2024, but recently, the star pass-catcher specifically mentioned cornerback Isaiah Rodgers, who missed all of 2023 due to a gambling suspension.

“For a guy that has not played football for a year, coming back, he looks like he has been playing nonstop,” Brown said, via Tim McManus of ESPN. “He’s flying around, and he’s going to do special stuff for us this year.”

Rodgers was suspended last June and was released by the Indianapolis Colts as a result. The Eagles picked him up a couple of months later, knowing well full they would not have him for 2023.

But now, Rodgers has been reinstated and is apparently ready to produce for Philadelphia.

The 26-year-old, who played his collegiate football at the University of Massachusetts, was originally selected by the Colts in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

He made a big impact on special teams in his debut campaign, racking up 692 kick-return yards to go along with a touchdown. The following year, Rodgers received considerably more playing time at cornerback, registering 49 tackles, three interceptions and seven passes defended. He then totaled 34 tackles, a forced fumble and four fumble recoveries in 2022.

Can the Eagles erase the sour taste of 2023?

The Eagles are coming off of a miserable 2023 campaign in which they suffered a colossal second-half collapse, losing five of their last six games to finish 11-6. They were then hammered by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs.

Philadelphia became the first team in NFL history to not log 12 wins after winning 10 of its first 11 games. Not exactly a distinction you want.

Can Philly rebound in 2024?

The Eagles have been very busy this offseason, signing running back Saquon Barkley and revamping their ailing secondary via the NFL Draft. They also brought in new coordinators.

Whether or not it’s actually enough to wash away the stench from last year remains to be seen.

Brown himself posted terrific numbers in 2023, hauling in 106 receptions for 1,456 yards and seven touchdowns, but even he faded down the stretch.

We’ll see if A.J. Brown and the Eagles can right the ship come September.