A sports talk radio host in Philadelphia was discussing the rumored tension between star quarterback Jalen Hurts and top wide receiver A.J. Brown. The host wondered why these two Pro Bowl players weren’t getting along, even though the Eagles were having a great season.
This kind of talk is usually sparked by fans or media personalities, but in this case, it came from inside the Eagles’ locker room. Team leader Brandon Graham, who is injured, mentioned on the radio that things seemed different between Hurts and Brown after a lackluster passing game in the Eagles’ win over Carolina.
Graham later apologized for his comments, and both Hurts and Brown reassured the media that there was no issue between them. The rest of the team was ready to move on and focus on their next game.
“We are moving on,” said offensive lineman Jordan Mailata. “It’s the Pittsburgh Steelers this week. Not the A.J. Brown and Jalen Show. It’s the Pittsburgh Steelers. That’s it.”
Meanwhile, the Steelers (10-3) have been playing well and have won seven of their last eight games. This game is significant because it could be a preview of the Super Bowl.
The Eagles (11-2) have won nine straight games and could secure the NFC East with a win and a Washington loss or tie. This is the first time these two teams, both founding NFL teams, will play each other with both having double-digit wins.
Both teams are in good positions for the playoffs. The Eagles, led by Saquon Barkley, are pursuing the NFL season rushing record, while the Steelers, with Russell Wilson and a relatively easy schedule, sit atop the AFC North.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said, “I do like playing really good people, I think there’s growth in it. You’ve got to get the job done. But man, I think there’s significant growth in pitting your collective talents and skills versus big-time opponents and they’re certainly that.”
Despite the drama in Philly this week, the Eagles aren’t worried. They’re focused on the Steelers, and the betting odds show they’re favored by 5 1/2 points.
Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said, “What I’ve noticed about this football team is they’re so locked in and determined to get better each day. We don’t really want anyone else talking to us about anything other than the Pittsburgh Steelers.”
The Eagles hope that playing the Steelers at home will help improve their offensive play. Last year, Hurts threw three touchdown passes to Brown in a 35-13 win against the Steelers.
