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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Glenn Erby

Takeaways from A.J. Brown addressing the media ahead of Eagles regular season finale

The Eagles are looking to enter the postseason on a positive after losing four of their past five games, and with the season finale just days away, A.J. Brown broke his media silence.

Brown praised Nick Sirianni, saying the third year head coach has been taking the heat for Philadelphia players, and even covered for the wide receiver group going rogue in the loss to Seattle a few weeks back.

Brown frustration in the loss to Arizona stemmed from DeVonta Smith suffering an ankle injury on a bubble screen late in the dissapointing loss.

The former Ole Miss star is just 53 yards shy amassing 1,500-yards receiving, becoming the first Eagles receiver to record that amount in a single season.

With the media freeze out now in the past, here are takeaways from the session.

Nick Sirianni's not getting fired

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 25: Head coach Nick Sirianni of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts to a play during the second quarter against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field on December 25, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)

Brown gave Sirianni his vote of confidence and confirmed that the final play in the loss to Seattle was on the Eagles players.

Brown stated that Eagles players “improvised and we went on our own” on a play that resulted in an Julian Love interception at the end of their loss to the Seahawks last month and credited Sirianni with taking the blame by saying that the team was trying to draw a pass interference penalty. Brown credited Sirianni for being loyal because he “takes up for us when it has nothing to do with him.”

The confirmation should allow Brown and his teammates to take a deep breath, enjoy advancing to the playoffs, and refocus on what’s important.

The Eagles aren't that bad

Dec 31, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) passes for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Only 14 teams make the playoffs each year from both conferences, meaning 18 other teams around the league would love to have Philadelphia’s 11-5 record.

No they haven’t been efficient, and they’ve looked lost on both sides of the football, but the Eagles are in the playoffs for a third straight year and Brown hopefully allows this team to relax and enjoy the moment.

Eagles have to address the playcalling

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 18: A.J. Brown #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up before a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on December 18, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

No, offensive coordinator Brian Johnson can’t force-feed the football to his wide receivers every play, but if he’s not going to feature D’Andre Swift in the running game, then bubble screens aren’t going to be the answer either.

Brown said that he did speak to the media after last Sunday’s loss to the Cardinals because he “didn’t want to be negative” and that his actual on-field frustration “wasn’t about the play calling” of offensive coordinator Brian Johnson.

Brown said it was due to wide receiver DeVonta Smith’s injury and that he apologized to his teammates because he put them in position to answer questions for him.

Well, Smith was injured on a useless third down bubble screen, so the frustration was about the play in some sense, and the Eagles could benefit from a change of pace.

Accountability has been taken

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 26: A.J. Brown #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts after a receiving touchdown during the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Lincoln Financial Field on November 26, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Brown and others have put the onus to turn things around on players by saying “the coaches played zero snaps this year” and “it is us” who have to improve on execution in order for the Eagles to back to winning.

If Philadelphia can win 11 games playing this inconsistent, just imagine what this team can do when healthy and focused.

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