League pundits now can take a breath after the Philadelphia Eagles completed an impressive comeback over the Rams thanks to Jalen Hurts, DeVonta Smith, and A.J. Brown. The well-covered passing concerns can now be put to bed because when the Eagles needed it most, there was no issue turning on that part of their game.
The Athletic's Zach Berman reported Brown's comments when the pass catcher was asked about the turnaround, giving a predictable answer that it was the result of giving him the football. Eagles' reporter Jeff McLane was given an even more in-depth answer.
“Me, personally, I truly believe, man, we got so many good players on this team, and at times you can feel like we’re being conservative, and I don't think it should be like that," Brown said. "I think it should [be] let your killers do they thing, and play fast and play aggressive. I’m not saying that we haven't been, but for me, personally, that's what I would like. Obviously, we're gonna run the ball and we're gonna set up the run off the pass and the pass off the run. But we have a lot of good players, and I feel like you should just let us go."
Eagles Star Receiver A.J. Brown Sending Clear Message to Philly's Offensive Coordinator
This is a clear message to the new Philly OC, one suggesting that when you give Brown opportunities great things are going to happen. Philly's primary pass catcher finished with 6 grabs for 109 yards and an incredibly important touchdown. Two runs stood out with Brown making basic catches and breaking tackles, looking far and away the best athlete on the field. Something that OC Kevin Patullo is unquestionably taking note of.
While Brown's sentiments are understandable, this is perhaps where the coach might counter that he will do whatever it takes to win. Whether that means one catch or ten, the Eagles' approach each week appears to evolve based on what the game becomes. It is an incredibly savvy way to play and helps build mental toughness each week. However, it isn't the best for your star receiver, who has a history of making it clear he wants consistent touches.
Considering the talent level of Brown, it is very understandable to have this outlook. Brown understands what he can do when given the chance and Sunday's results reflect this fact. Still, you cannot stray away from what has made you so incredibly unbeatable for much of the last two seasons.
What makes the Eagles offensive approach so incredible is the ability to pivot in game and for any given player to take a backseat at a moment's notice this does include the star pass catcher even as frustrating as it might be. With that said, the silence of the first two weeks isn't going to be the norm for a player that is a walking mismatch.
Typical production is going to be somewhere between the struggles and Week 3's breakout performance. Something that both Patullo and Brown are going to have to accept and get on the same page over heading into Week 4 against the Tampa Bay Bucs.
Regardless, it is glaring that Brown was attempting to send a message not only to the OC but perhaps to his quarterback and the rest of the offense. His understandable confidence demanding that if he can continue to play a bigger role, the results will follow.