PHILADELPHIA — Wide receiver A.J. Brown was asked Thursday about speculation that he’s no longer the same elite player that has tallied five 1,000-yard season and three Pro Bowl appearances. His blunt response suggested he’s not in the mood for that narrative.
“I guess Saquon (Barkley) ain’t the same player either then,” Brown said at NovaCare Complex, referencing the running back’s stats that are also down this year. “Y’all don’t believe that. I don’t got no comment about that. I don’t care about that.”
The numbers tell a nuanced story. In nine games this season, Brown has caught 38 passes for 457 yards (12.0 yards per catch) and three touchdowns. He’s 45th in receptions and tied for 47th in receiving yards in the NFL. Offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo and quarterback Jalen Hurts have taken lots of the heat, but now Brown is being questioned as well, ahead of Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Brown has the lowest “open percentage” (17.6%) and the fewest yards of separation (1.8) among 46 qualified receivers.
But his reference to Barkley is fair. A season ago, Barkley cracked 2,000 rushing yards. This year, he has just 662 on 175 carries.
“Nothing is wrong with me, guys,” Brown said. “I’ll say that. … Ask me about Dallas.”
Brown, 28, said before the season he wants to be the greatest receiver of all time. He said he doesn’t watch other wideouts.
“It gets me upset, so I stay away from it,” he said. “It’s a time and place for it. Right now, I’m just trying to stay focused.”
Brown is battling something beyond the personal critique of his game: A broader narrative around the Eagles’ offense. The Birds are 8-2 and No. 1 in the NFC, but their offense has largely sputtered. Brown and fellow receiver DeVonta Smith have seen target shares fluctuate despite high expectations.
Hurts and the scheme under Patullo may deserve blame, but an underlying problem has been the offensive line, which hasn’t been healthy all year. Right tackle Lane Johnson (foot) is out for an extended period of time. Left guard Landon Dickerson is still recovering from a knee injury and other ailments. Center Cam Jurgens popped up with a new injury this week, a concussion, and didn’t practice Wednesday, but he was upgraded to limited participation Thursday.
Those upgrades offer some hope for improved continuity up front, but Johnson’s absence is a huge loss that can’t be overstated. As the Eagles head into Sunday’s showdown in Dallas, it remains clear that Brown and the offense face issues broader than just one or two players.
