Buccaneers Take Another Look at 6-foot-5, 464-Pound Defensive Tackle

It’s the kind of stat that makes Philadelphia Eagles fans do a double take. A.J. Brown, one of the NFL’s most unstoppable wideouts, sitting at 141st in receiving yards after two weeks. No touchdowns. Not a single catch longer than eight yards. For a player who has built his career on shredding defenses and carrying Philadelphia’s offense, the numbers are shocking and the frustration is real.

But Brown isn’t sulking, at least not yet.  He’s smiling, laughing, and choosing to stay patient, even as critics start to question what’s wrong with the Eagles’ passing attack.

Thursday he came across as a little frustrated but generally optimistic and positive as the Eagles get ready for the 2-0 Rams on Sunday at the Linc.  The most telling answer may have been when he was asked about Rams cornerback Emmanuel Forbes, who he had a huge game against last year. “Emmanuel Forbes, I mean this in a positive way, but he’s the last of my worries at this moment,” Brown said. “I’m just trying to focus on my job and get this thing rolling on offense.”

Feigned Optimism?

Brown spent several minutes at his locker Thursday, addressing the slow start for both himself and the offense. He admitted there’s frustration but pointed again and again to one solution – chemistry.

“I mean, obviously, there’s things that we can be better at – just being on the same page,” Brown said. “Just honestly, being on the same page and just playing fast and communicating.”

He’s obviously saying all the right things right now but Brown does have a history of openly complaining about not getting the ball enough.  It happened last year after a close win over the Carolina Panthers.  The following week the passing attacked really hummed against the Pittsburgh Steelers and everything was right down in NovaCare Shangrila once again.

Brown even went public after last year’s Super Bowl win over the Chiefs saying the win left him unfulfilled.  What he really wants to do is dominate his opponent and implied that his production was down last year because the Eagles drastically changed their philosophy on how to manage a game.  Head coach Nick Sirianni has chosen fewer mistakes over big plays and you can’t argue with the results.  Since that philosophical change the Eagles have gone 16-0 when Jalen Hurts starts and finishes a game.

His message about being on the same page echoed quarterback Jalen Hurts’ message earlier in the week about “synchronicity.” Hurts, who has completed 75% of his passes without a turnover, still took accountability for the lack of explosive plays.

“My job is to go out there and be the general, orchestrate everything and ultimately make plays,” Hurts said. “I’m very critical of myself trying to make the most of what’s given to us.”

Through two games, the Eagles have only three completions of 10+ yards, their fewest to open a season since 2003.

At the end of the day Brown is an elite wide receiver and by definition, somewhat of a diva.  Time will tell if Brown’s “inner excellence” keeps him grounded.  For now he’s playing the part of the utltimate team player but the overwhelming concern are the sounds that eminate from Brown’s potentially feigned optimism – tick, tick, tick.

Making History

Brown’s numbers are historically rare. He’s the first healthy receiver in nearly 30 years to follow a 1,000-yard season with fewer than 35 yards through two games. The last to do it? Vikings receiver Jake Reed in 1998 – and he wound up on Injured Reserve that year.

Brown has lived in the top-five conversation among NFL receivers since arriving in Philly. His 180 catches of 10+ yards from 2022–24 ranked behind only Amon-Ra St. Brown, CeeDee Lamb, and Tyreek Hill.  This year Brown has no catches longer than eight yards.

Stats That Sting

A.J. Brown’s Slow Start By the Numbers:

• 141st in NFL receiving yards (35 through 2 games) 
• 83rd in receptions (6 catches) 
• 0 plays longer than 8 yards 
• First healthy WR in 28 years to have a 1,000-yard season then under 35 yards through 2 games (last: Jake Reed, 1998) 
• Eagles: just 3 completions of 10+ yards this year — fewest since 2003 
• Brown averaged 3.5 catches of 10+ yards per game his first 3 years in Philly -180 total, second-most in NFL

Help on the Horizon

The Eagles expect tight end Dallas Goedert back Sunday against the Rams, and his return could open things up.

“Another pass catcher, another great blocker,” Brown said. “Dallas comes in, he’s very physical. He worked extremely hard to get back. So I’m glad to have him back. When all of us are on the field together, it opens up the field for all of us.”

Philadelphia also needs Saquon Barkley to look more like his 2024 self. He gashed the Rams for 230 yards per game last season, but this year he’s been bottled up averaging just 72 yards per game at a 3.7 yards per carry clip.  Brown believes Barkley’s breakthrough will lift the entire offense.

“It could be good for all of us, not just me,” Brown said. “I’m sure he’s going to be up for the challenge – Saquon and the O-line. We just try to be ready and make the most of the opportunity.”

Same Page Mentality

Despite the horrifically slow start, Brown refuses to dwell on the numbers.  Instead, he’s zeroed in on effort, blocking, and being ready when the moment comes.

“Just being really critical about my effort and blocking,” Brown said. “What did I do when I didn’t get the ball? And what did I do when I got the ball?”

Optimism remains his constant. “We’re working hard trying to get this thing rolling and put our best foot forward.”

The undefeated Eagles (2-0) face the undefeated (2-0) L.A. Rams at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday.  If they want to avoid falling behind in the NFC race, they may need to unleash a more aggressive passing attack.

“It’s very simple,” Brown said. “Being on the same page, being where we need to be, Jalen doing what he needs to do. That’s it.”