We got a glimpse Thursday into what’s going through A.J. Brown’s head during one of the more challenging periods of his career.
Brown chatted with a group of writers at his locker for several minutes after practice about the offense’s slow start and his own slow start.
He came across as a little frustrated but generally optimistic and positive as the Eagles get ready for the 2-0 Rams on Sunday at the Linc.
The most telling answer may have been when he was asked about Rams cornerback Emmanuel Forbes, who he had a huge game against last year.
“Emmanuel Forbes, I mean this in a positive way, but he’s the last of my worries at this moment,” Brown said. “I’m just trying to focus on my job and get this thing rolling on offense.
“It’s not about the person that I’m going against.”
Brown is a top-five wide receiver in the NFL, but two games into the season he’s tied for 141st with 35 receiving yards and tied for 83rd with six receptions.
Brown was in good spirits Thursday, answering some questions with a huge smile and a no comment and answering others with a smile and a brief answer. But all his responses focused on staying positive, continuing to put in work and focus on getting everybody playing together.
The phrase “the same page” came up repeatedly.
“I mean, obviously, there’s things that we can be better at, just being on the same page,” he said. “I don’t want to give you guys a story late in the week going into the game. But yeah, just honestly, just being on the same page and just playing fast and communicating.”
Brown is the first healthy NFL wide receiver in 28 years to have a 1,000-yard season one year and have 35 or fewer yards through two games the next year. In 1997, the Vikings’ Jake Reed had 1,138 yards and in 1998 he opened the season with three yards against the Bucs and 13 vs. the Rams. That was with Brad Johnson before Randall Cunningham took over and had an MVP season. Reed finished with 474 yards in 11 games, finishing the season on Injured Reserve
Brown had 180 catches of at least 10 yards in his first three seasons with the Eagles, or just under 3 ½ per game. Only Amon-Ra St. Brown (194), CeeDee Lamb (186) and Tyreek Hill (182) had more. He doesn’t have a catch this year longer than eight yards.
“I’m always optimistic,” he said. “We’re working hard trying to get this thing rolling and put our best foot forward.”
There are a couple things that should help kickstart the passing game. If the Eagles can get Saquon Barkley rolling like last year, it would open up things for the receivers. And Barkley had two huge games against the Rams last year. And the anticipated return of Dallas Goedert should take some pressure off the outside receivers.
Barkley averaged 125 yards and 5.7 yards per carry last year and through no fault of his own, he’s at 72 yards and 3.7 this year. His drop-off is more a product of the offense’s overall malaise, an inexperienced play caller and a general lack of offensive direction than anything Barkley has done.
“It could be good for all of us, not just for me, but for all of us,” Brown said of getting Barkley going. “And I’m sure he’s going to be up for the challenge, Saquon and the O-line. We just try to be ready and make the most of the opportunity.”
And Goedert, who missed the Chiefs game with a knee injury, can help both as a run blocker for Barkley and a diversion for defenses with his own pass-catching ability.
“Another pass catcher, another great blocker,” Brown said. “Dallas comes in, he’s very physical. He worked extremely hard to get back. So I’m glad to have him back. Obviously, when all of us are on the field together, it opens up the field for all of us.
“Whenever I’m on the field, opportunity comes our way, we’re just trying to make the most of it.”
Brown was asked what it’s like watching film during a week when he hasn’t been involved in the offense.
“Just being really critical about my effort and blocking,” he said. “What did I do when I didn’t get the ball? And what did I do when I got the ball? “
He used the phrase “on the same page” several times, and he was asked what that entails. What goes into being on the proverbial same page?
“That’s a lot of things, you know?” he said. “Being there at the right time, the ball being there at the right time. So it’s just being in sync. Communication.”
Being in sync is something Jalen Hurts mentioned several times Wednesday. He kept using the word “synchronicity.”
Hurts took accountability for the offensive doldrums. He’s played mistake-free football so far and completed 75 percent of his passes, but this is the first time since 2003 — when Donovan McNabb was playing with an injured finger on his throwing hand — that the Eagles had just three 10-yard pass plays through two games.
“My job is to go out there and be the general, orchestrate everything and ultimately make plays. given the opportunities we have,” Hurts said. “I’m very critical of myself trying to make the most of what’s given to us.”
Against a team like the Rams, the Eagles may have to open things up to win the game.
Will they be able to play a more wide-open brand of offensive football if they have to? What has to happen for that to take place?
“I think just being on the same page, being where we need to be, Jalen doing what he needs to do,” Brown said. “It’s very simple.”
Brown was asked about “synchronicity.” Is that a word that’s been used a lot this week?
