AJ Brown Responds to Critics in Jordan Schultz Interview After Week 1 Win
Look, we’ve all been there. Fans wanted to see A.J. Brown have a strong opening week against the Cowboys. confidently tell your buddies he’s going to torch defenses all season long, and then watch him catch exactly one pass for eight measly yards in Week 1. But before you, as an Eagles fan, lose confidence in Brown, there is more behind the lackluster performance. Because apparently, there’s more to this story than meets the eye, and Brown isn’t exactly losing sleep over it in conversation with Fox Sports Jordan Schultz.
Brown Breaks Down the Dallas Debacle
Here’s the thing about Brown that separates him from your typical diva wide receiver – the guy actually understands football. While Twitter was having a collective meltdown about his one-catch performance, Brown was busy explaining why anyone with half a brain shouldn’t be surprised.
Translation for those who spent more time playing Madden than actually understanding defensive schemes: Dallas played zone coverage all night, which means Swole Batman was facing multiple defenders in his area rather than going one-on-one with a cornerback. It’s like trying to have a private conversation at a house party – good luck getting any space when everyone’s crowding around.
The three-time Pro Bowler didn’t mince words about the internet experts either: “I’ve seen a lot of stuff on the internet, zero separation, I’m hurt, I’m a decoy… All that. Which is crazy because none of those things are true.”
Eagles Offense Didn’t Need Brown to Cook
Sometimes the best players make the biggest impact by simply existing on the field. While Brown was drawing extra attention from Dallas defenders, his teammates were feasting elsewhere. Jalen Hurts only threw 23 passes the entire game, spreading the wealth among six different targets.
Dallas Goedert led the receiving corps with seven catches for 44 yards, while newcomer Saquon Barkley chipped in four receptions out of the backfield. Even with Swole Batman being neutralized, the Eagles still put up 24 points and walked away with a division victory. That’s what good teams do – they find ways to win even when their best players aren’t stuffing the stat sheet.
Coach Nick Sirianni summed it up perfectly in his postgame presser: “There’s going to be games like this. This is going to happen. To be what we want to be, A.J.’s obviously gonna have to be more involved in the offense. But some games go this way.”
Chiefs Secondary Looking Vulnerable
If you’re looking for reasons to be optimistic about Brown bouncing back in Week 2, just take a peek at what the Kansas City defense allowed to the Chargers in their season opener. Justin Herbert torched them for 318 yards and three touchdowns, with three different receivers catching at least five passes.
The Chiefs’ secondary looked about as reliable as a paper umbrella in a hurricane, which should have Eagle fans licking their chops. If Quentin Johnston can catch two touchdown passes against Kansas City, imagine what a healthy and motivated A.J. Brown could do.
The Bottom Line on Brown
Brown isn’t worried about his Week 1 performance, and neither should Eagles fans or fantasy owners. The man understands his role in the offense and knows that his time will come. When a player of his caliber tells you he’s “excited for Week 2,” you better believe he’s going to come out swinging.
The Super Bowl rematch against Kansas City provides the perfect stage for him to remind everyone why he’s considered one of the elite receivers in the NFL. With the Chiefs’ secondary looking shaky and the Eagles’ offense looking to make a statement, don’t be surprised if Brown turns his one-catch dud into a multi-touchdown masterpiece come Sunday.
Sometimes, the best revenge against doubters isn’t arguing with them; it’s just going out and doing your job at the highest level. And if there’s one thing A.J. Brown knows how to do, it’s his job.
