Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown has provided an explanation for a rather questionable effort made on one specific play during his team's win over the Detroit Lions.
The Philadelphia Eagles defeated another top team on Sunday, and once again, the win was led by the defense, as the Eagles topped the Detroit Lions by a score of 16-9.
A.J. Brown achieved season highs in both catches (seven) and targets (11) after complaining about his role earlier in the week, but he managed just 49 yards on the day.
And once again, Brown was at the center of attention for the wrong reasons, as he appeared to give up on a route on a Jalen Hurts pass down the sideline at one point in the game.
This isn't the first time Brown has been accused of quitting on a route this season, so the play definitely garnered some attention, especially considering that the three-time Pro Bowler has been griping about his lack of touches throughout the year.
After the game, Brown was asked about the incident, and he didn't offer up much of an explanation.
"Constant hand fighting down the field," Brown said. "We just missed. Not just saying he missed, but we just missed."
Would Brown have caught the pass had he not stopped short on his route? Maybe, maybe not, but the fact that the 28-year-old's effort level has once again been called into question is definitely concerning.
More and more speculation has risen that the Eagles will ultimately trade Brown after the season is over. Some even felt Philadelphia could move him at the trade deadline, but with Philly aiming to win a second straight Super Bowl, that was never realistic.
However, it's rather easy to envision the Eagles jettisoning Brown — who met with owner Jeffrey Lurie before Week 11 — during the offseason.
Brown signed a three-year, $96 million contract extension with Philadelphia back in 2024, a deal that will keep him in Philly through 2029 ... provided that the Eagles don't part ways with him on their own accord.
Philadelphia initially acquired the Ole Miss product in a trade with the Tennessee Titans in April 2022. He made the Pro Bowl in his first two seasons with the Birds, racking up over 1,400 yards in both campaigns. Brown then managed 1,079 yards in 13 games last year.
In nine games this season, Brown has logged 38 catches for 457 yards and three touchdowns.
The Eagles are 8-2 on the year and will face the Dallas Cowboys next Sunday.