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Photo Courtesy of Eagles Nation on X. Photo Courtesy of Eagles Nation on X.
NFL Free Agency is about to begin this month — and one theme seems to be overshadowing all others for the Eagles. The social media unhappiness of AJ Brown with the Eagles offense, coupled with the unhappiness of the organization towards how public he made it has set the stage for both to regain their happiness without each other. Or so it would seem.
It’s simply not that simple.
If you think that Dallas is the preeminent team for big receivers, you haven’t been an Eagles fan for long. From Harold Carmichael to Terrell Owens to Alshon Jeffrey to A.J. Brown — some of the best years in Eagles history have been complete with a big, possession receiver.
Photo Courtesy of Eagles Nation on X.
Watching the 2024 game in New Orleans (complete with some Alka Seltzer for all of the heart-pounding big plays and lead changes), you might think that Dallas Goedert (not the Dallas in Texas) was the Eagle’s big target with his effortless one-handed receptions complete with shoulder-lowering blasts on defensive backs. But it’s A.J. Brown — whose towering jump-ball prowess still seems unmatched in the NFL —who sets the stage for big plays in this offense both with his skill-set and also by opening up the rest of the field.
The numbers are undeniable. It’s hard to imagine the Eagles achieving nearly this much success under Nick Sirianni without Brown in the lineup. His over 5,000 receiving yards and 32 touchdowns since being traded from the Titans in 2022 — have electrified the Eagles offense and provided a go-to option for Jalen Hurts.
All NFL receivers must have an egotistical obsession about getting the football. They’ve taken on a career that requires it. Without it — they won’t last long in the NFL. Terrell Owens even resorted to sit-ups in his driveway when he didn’t think that the Eagles were being quite equitable.
And then there is Brown’s on-field presence. He’s not just a great 4th down option when the tush-push has been exhausted. He’s a big-body blocker setting up the run game, a force on the field who still at 29 years young attracts opposing defensive attention and helps to get the Eagles’ other offense weapons open.
If the January NFC Wildcard Game was his last ever as an Eagle — he won’t just be a saga in Philadelphia. He’ll be our best receiver ever. Like in everdom. If you think he’s shoes will be easy to fill — you better think twice.
Even if those shoes are pink.
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