The Importance of A.J. Brown’s Return

Great news was released this week regarding star receiver A.J. Brown, as he is set to return to action against Cleveland this Sunday. His absence has been glaring, to say the least, as the Eagles’ offense has looked extremely stagnant without him. It was rather a surprise that Brown’s injury was released after Week One, as hamstring tightness sat Brown out through the past bye week. The past month also made it clear that Brown is still Hurts’ favorite target, as his production has dipped mightily with Brown sidelined. For both, there is simply a great familiarity with one another and their success goes hand in hand. With that being said, let’s look into what his return could bring to the Eagles’ offense which has desperately needed him back. 

In his debut against the Packers, Brown gave us a glimpse of what could be a special season. Brown hauled in five receptions for 119 yards, along with a touchdown. His ability to be a threat in all three phases of the passing game is crucial to the success of the offense. Through all three phases, the way Brown can dominate the short, medium, and long passes for Jalen Hurts is what the team has been missing the past month. A hamstring injury can flare up easily, so it was in the Eagles’ best interest to stay on the precautionary side. One of the many reasons Brown’s return is important is in third and long execution.

If the Eagles have not been within a tush push on third down, their execution in critical spots has not been successful. For Hurts, looking at number 11 will open the offense for longer drives, and finally give this offense the life it has desperately needed. In essence, the return of Brown is equivalent to igniting a generator when a house loses power. Another area the Eagles have struggled in has been deep attacks. They have had virtually little to no deep balls converted thus far, and it has made the defenses able to send more blitzes, causing havoc for Jalen Hurts. Brown’s return will stretch the defense better and also work the middle of the field opening up space for the rest of the offense. Thankfully for the Eagles, they finally get their star back in action and need to make a big statement this Sunday in return.