The drama surrounding the Philadelphia Eagles between A.J. Brown and Jalen Hurts could derail a Super Bowl season.
Tenison and drama has run rampant through the Eagles locker room since Sunday after the Eagles got a narrow win over the Carolina Panthers. In that game, the Eagle’s pass game was anemic, with Hurts passing for only 108 yards on 21 attempts. Brown caught four passes for 43 yards in the game but was visibly displeased with the passing game and made it known to the reporters in the locker room.
When asked what the Eagles could do better, Brown responded with a one-word answer: “Passing”. It was a clear shot at Hurts, who didn’t have his best day on Sunday, but it also seemed to be frustration that has been boiling over with Hurts and Brown this whole season. The Eagles currently rank last in the league in pass attempts and rank second to last in passing yards per game. Brown is tied for 56th in the league for passing targets with 66. He has 48 catches for 836 yards and a touchdown. More volume of touches will be beneficial for Brown and, in turn, will be helpful for the Eagles; however, there is no denying the lack of passing attack and the tension could affect the Eagles.
Eagles Drama Could Derail Potential Super Bowl Season
AJ Brown seems a bit frustrated after the game— Asked what needs to improve in the offense: “Passing.”pic.twitter.com/YLupyaVekU
— Eagles Nation (@PHLEaglesNation) December 8, 2024
Teammates weighing in on drama
On Monday night, Eagles star defensive lineman Brandon Graham weighed in on the drama between Hurts and Brown on his own radio show. Graham’s comments did not diffuse the tension going on in the locker room. He took up for Hurts, saying that he knows the star quarterback is trying to get things right while mentioning that he felt Brown has to be better about how he addresses things.http://
“I know 1 is trying and 11 could be better with how he responds to things. They were friends, but things have changed.”
Brandon Graham gives insight to the AJ Brown/Jalen Hurts drama: pic.twitter.com/RcouHPGK43
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) December 9, 2024
Graham then mentioned how Brown and Hurts “used’ to be friends and how things have changed. Tuesday morning, Graham came out and apologized to his teammates for his comments on the matter. He admitted to not gathering all the info he needed to speak on the matter. Graham is just one teammate, but it will be clear that more will be asked about it throughout this week and the coming weeks if things don’t change.
Late season collapse on the horizon?
In 2023, the Eagles dealt with drama from their head coach, Nick Sirianni, and his operations. After starting the season 10-1, a late season drama-filled collapse saw Philadelphia finish with an 11-6 record and an embarrassing playoff exit to the Tampa Buccaneers in the wild-card round. Because of the end of the season flameout, it almost cost Sirianni his job before he was ultimately retained with a few changes to his staff.
At 11-2, could the Eagles suffer the same fate they did in 2023? For the Eagle’s sake, they hope not.
Eagles are Super Bowl contenders
Philadelphia has clinched a playoff spot and currently has the second seed in the NFC. They are in play for the number one seed only being a game back of the Detroit Lions. They currently have the third-best odds on any major sportsbook to win the Super Bowl behind the Lions and Kansas City Chiefs. While their passing game is struggling, the Eagles have the number one rushing offense in the league. Saquon Barkley currently has 1623 rushing yards on the season and is a clear MVP candidate. They have one of the best offensive lines in the league which is needed if any team wants to call themselves a contender.
Defensively, they lead the league in total yards allowed per game and are second in passing yards allowed.
The recipe is there for Philadelphia to win the franchise’s second Super Bowl in February; however, team tension and drama could derail that goal for the Eagles just like it did in 2023.
Main Image: © Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
