For most of last season, A.J. Brown’s social media activity and frustration were the primary talking points around the then-defending champion Philadelphia Eagles.
Brown was labeled difficult and criticized for not enjoying his team’s success when he wasn’t involved in the passing game. However, his not-so-cryptic messages may not have been about him after all. According to Eagles insider Jeff McLane, he may have been speaking on behalf of his teammates as well.
In the latest edition of his “unCovering the Birds” podcast, McLane revealed that Brown, like so many others in the building, was frustrated with QB Jalen Hurts.
Eagles are frustrated with Jalen Hurts’ attitude
“A lot of the people in that building feel like [Hurts] is not listening,” McLane said. “They feel that the only way to get through to Jalen, and, from what I understand, this is why A.J. Brown tweeted what he tweeted in October. The only way to get to him is through the media or social media or through those of us who report on the team. That’s what’s happening now.”
ESPN insiders Tim McManus and Jeremy Fowler published an extensive report of the inner dynamics of the organization, shedding light on Hurts’ rather complicated relationship with several people in the building. From not wanting to adapt to several offensive concepts or schemes to not looking eye-to-eye with DeVonta Smith, either, Hurts might not be the most popular guy in the organization.
He’s now about to have his seventh different offensive play-caller in the NFL, and while his resume speaks for itself, his glaring limitations have also seemed to hold the passing game back multiple times. Granted, perhaps Brown hasn’t done his team any favors with the way he’s handled his frustration, but ESPN’s incendiary report paints the quarterback in a different light as well.
Hurts is now entering the final year of guaranteed money in his contract extension, and even though he might still have HC Nick Sirianni’s support, he’ll be under more pressure than ever to deliver on the field and — perhaps more importantly — be a leader off it. As for Brown, he’ll continue to be tied up in trade rumors, even if general manager Howie Roseman remains adamant about holding onto him.
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