A.J. Brown has already voiced his frustration with his role in the Philadelphia Eagles’ offense, and after posting a cryptic quote to social media, his head coach came out in his defense.
Nick Sirianni told reporters Monday that Brown’s apparent aggravation stems from wanting to help the 4-0 Eagles, not from a desire to leave the team.
“Obviously, A.J. is very important to this football team,” Sirianni said. “I know he wants to contribute and do the things he’s capable of doing. He wants to contribute into these wins, and he’s had a couple games where he hasn’t been able to for different reasons.
“I question nothing about his desire to play great football, his desire of being a good teammate, his desire to be here.”
The three-time Pro Bowler was not targeted until the final drive of the game in the Eagles’ season-opening win over the Dallas Cowboys. He caught an 8-yard pass to help Philadelphia seal the 24-20 win.
After catching five passes for 27 yards against the Kansas City Chiefs and having a six-reception, 109-yard performance against the Los Angeles Rams, Brown saw nine targets but hauled in just two for seven yards in Philadelphia’s 31-25 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.
Brown declined to speak with reporters after the game, then posted to X a modern translation of a Bible passage that read: “If you’re not welcomed, not listened to, quietly withdraw. Don’t make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and be on your way.”
That followed his comments to reporters last week about wanting the run-heavy Eagles to open up the offense.
“Me personally, I truly believe we’ve got so many good players on this team, and at times you can feel like we’re being conservative,” Brown said last week. “I don’t think it should be like that. I think it should (be) let your killers do their thing and play fast and play aggressive. I’m not saying that we haven’t been, but me personally, that’s what I would like.”
Brown, 28, gained at least 1,079 yards in each of his first three seasons with the Eagles and helped them win Super Bowl LIX, with 12 catches for 163 yards and two touchdowns over four playoff games last winter.