Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown didn’t hold back after Sunday’s win over the Carolina Panthers, calling the team’s passing game inadequate and emphasizing it wouldn’t cut it moving forward. By midweek, he clarified his remarks, stressing they were about the overall passing operation, not a critique of quarterback Jalen Hurts. Brown explained his frustrations stemmed from the team’s self-inflicted mistakes and his belief in never settling for mediocrity. Despite external chatter about potential friction between Brown and Hurts, both players reiterated their strong relationship, with Brown dismissing defensive end Brandon Graham’s earlier comments as a misunderstanding.
Jalen Hurts, for his part, admitted the passing game needs improvement and owned up to areas where he could be better. While his commitment to limiting turnovers has reduced risky plays, it has also diminished opportunities for explosive downfield moments. Analysts have noted troubling patterns in Hurts’ recent play, including a high percentage of sacks, scrambles, or throwaways on extended plays and a marked decline in deep passing attempts. Hurts acknowledged these issues, pledging to make faster decisions and refine his approach.
The Eagles have had a rollercoaster season, starting 2-2 amid doubts about head coach Nick Sirianni but rebounding with nine consecutive wins. Their success has been driven by a dominant defense and the league’s best rushing attack, featuring Saquon Barkley and the versatile Hurts. Yet, the passing game has been an Achilles’ heel, ranking near the bottom of the NFL despite boasting elite talents like Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert. Injuries and a conservative offensive approach have compounded the struggles, leaving room for significant growth.
Brown isn’t the only one voicing concerns. Fellow receiver DeVonta Smith echoed his teammate’s frustrations, urging the team to meet its high standards in the passing game. Critics have also highlighted a recurring theme throughout Hurts’ career: teams he leads often face limitations in the air. The Eagles’ reluctance to push the ball deep and their inconsistency in sustaining drives through the air have become focal points as the playoffs loom.
If the Eagles can address these issues, they have the potential to become one of the most complete teams in the NFL, pairing a dangerous ground game with a reliable passing attack. For now, however, their aerial struggles remain a glaring weakness. With the postseason approaching, the team must find a way to unleash its full potential through the air to solidify its championship aspirations.
