Eagles player criticizes AJ Brown over recent behavior

Jan 29, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) on the field during warmups against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

AJ Brown has been openly frustrated during the Philadelphia Eagles’ recent stretch of poor play, and at least one of the star wide receiver’s teammates thinks that is an issue.

The Eagles played for the field goal with the score tied late in their game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, and the approach backfired. Philadelphia quickly got into field-goal range after the Cardinals tried an unsuccessful onside kick with just over 5 minutes remaining. However, the Eagles got conservative after a holding penalty gave them 1st-and-20 at the Arizona 30-yard line.

After two running plays and a bubble screen resulted in 5 yards, Brown walked off the field shaking his head.

1st and 20 in FG range already and we do nothing but QB runs and screens.

If I’m AJ Brown I’m upset too #Eagles pic.twitter.com/kIeeEqAnbk

— Philly Talk Podcast (@Philly_Mike25) December 31, 2023

The Eagles kicked the field goal to take a 31-28 lead with 2:33 remaining. No one was surprised when their defense was unable to stop the Cardinals on the ensuing drive, which resulted in a go-ahead touchdown with just 32 seconds left.

Down 35-31, the Eagles could only run a couple of plays and then try a Hail Mary. The pass was intercepted, and Brown sat on the ground in the end zone in disbelief. He then slowly made his way to the locker room.

One anonymous Eagles veteran spoke with Marcus Hayes of The Philadelphia Inquirer about Brown’s behavior.

“Any time you have bad body language from a leader like that, other guys see it, and it’s not good,” the player said.

Brown’s on-field demeanor carried over into the locker room. He refused to speak with the media and seemed to hint that he is unhappy with the coaching staff.

The Eagles began the season 10-1. They fell to 11-5 with their loss to the Cardinals and are in danger of losing the NFC East. Brown certainly is not the only player who wants things to change, but it sounds like the way he is handling the situation is having a negative impact on the locker room.