A lot of the attention is around Philadelphia Eagles star receiver A.J. Brown in Week 5. Following a win over the Los Angeles Rams, the talented pass-catcher posted a Bible verse that appeared to be signaling a desire to be elsewhere. However, NBC Sports' John Clark reported Brown's first public comments on the situation that saw the receiver backtracking from what appeared to be his original position. Giving fans reason for a sense of relief and hope that perhaps the drama is behind them.
"This is my home. I did it to myself. I love it here. You see frustration. We want to be great... It’s not a bad thing to get the ball... Give the ball to me when the game's on the line. I like that pressure. When the game's on the line, look at me."A.J. Brown, Eagles WR
Brown calling Philly "my home" and backtracking his previous comments speaks for itself, going a long way in pushing away any thoughts of a potential divorce or issues between the two sides. Clark noted as well that Brown reiterated his trust in quarterback Jalen Hurts and the coaching staff to get the issues figured out.
While this is all a positive development, it isn't enough to solve Philadelphia's offensive rut. Change must start from the top, and that's why it'll be up to offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo to figure out a solution.
Eagles Need More Than A.J. Brown's Words to End Offensive Concerns
The pressure is officially on Patullo to get Brown the ball as much as possible. If the three-time Pro Bowl WR isn't being fed again next week, any potential progression will be for nothing. Brown's 14 catches for 151 yards and one touchdown in four games are way below his standard, and he won't be able to turn things around if the opportunities aren't there.
With that said, the Eagles should have little problem scheming ways to get Brown the football. Even as Patullo eases into his new role, it is simple enough to scheme an early slant or screen play to get your primary receiver two or three touches. Once the ball starts to get rolling, the old Brown should emerge.
Hurts unquestionably understands the urgency about getting the ball to Brown, with it being talked about in the quarterback's presser as well.
"We just focus on the work," Hurts said on Wednesday (h/t @EliotShorrParks).
It won't take long to find out if the Eagles will grant Brown's wishes. He'll be in for a tough test against the Denver Broncos in Week 5, as Sean Payton's defense is currently allowing only 186.0 passing yards per game (T-9th) and 9.7 yards per reception (16th).