The Philadelphia Eagles are one of just two remaining undefeated teams in the NFL, joining the Buffalo Bills at 4-0. However, their overall statistics might lead some to believe they are a below .500 team. The unblemished record is puzzling to many, but after a month into the season without a loss or tie, it’s clear that winning isn’t always about impressive stats.
Fans are frustrated, though, because they know their favorite team could perform better — if better than undefeated is even possible. Another person feeling some discontent is star wide receiver A.J. Brown. After last Sunday’s victory at Tampa Bay, Brown posted a cryptic tweet that became the talk of the town all week long:
*“If you’re not welcomed, not listened to, quietly withdraw. Don’t make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and be on your way.”*
This post is a Bible verse from Mark 6:11, prompting widespread speculation about Brown’s future in Philadelphia. Is he happy here? His teammates were also left interpreting the cryptic message.
In the past, Brown has expressed frustration about not being more involved in the offense. His numbers so far this season are minimal, with just 14 receptions for 151 yards and one touchdown. For a wideout of Brown’s caliber, these stats might be recorded in a single game, yet this is spread over four games. Nonetheless, the Eagles continue to find ways to win thanks to special teams, defense, and quarterback Jalen Hurts’ mobility.
Three days after the tweet, Brown apologized in front of reporters. “Obviously, I let my frustrations boil over. I didn’t speak to the media and I had a chance to correct my frustration and that’s on me,” Brown said. “I’ll take full accountability for that. It wasn’t directed anywhere in the building and, of course, not at my quarterback. Everybody knows I have communication with all my coaches as well as Coach KP. We discuss weekly about trying to be on the same page.”
Brown is a smart player and a great talent, but he’s also emotional, which is understandable. Wanting the offense to flow better, as Brown mentioned, is fair — but the team is winning. Head coach Nick Sirianni set the tone for his players back in the offseason, including Brown:
*“One game you may have 10 catches. The other game you may have just one,”* Sirianni said.
The truth is, as much as fans want the Eagles to put up 35 points per game, it’s not realistic — nor is it necessary to win championships. Few high-scoring units ever do, and history supports this.
What’s unfortunate is that the friendship between Brown and Hurts seems to have cooled into just a working relationship. Of course, teammates don’t have to be close, but it’s worth noting that Hurts is also the godfather of Brown’s oldest child. When asked about their relationship this week, Hurts, predictably reserved, said simply, “We just focus on the work.”
That work should be about building on each win — something Hurts is clearly driven by. This current era of Eagles football is the best in franchise history since their back-to-back championships in 1948-49. They have a great thing going: two Super Bowl appearances in three years and one championship.
If the Birds can beat the Denver Broncos on Sunday to reach 5-0, they will be victorious in 21 of their last 22 games. During Brown’s tenure in Philadelphia, he has been a three-time All-Pro and holds several franchise records.
Again, frustration is understandable but usually in losing environments. Just look around the league — many great receivers play in much worse situations than Brown.
Be careful what you ask for.
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https://www.phillytrib.com/sports/football/spivey-eagles-success-overshadows-browns-frustration-with-production/article_f8482466-8a2e-4f19-8809-6180d7a87432.html