The Philadelphia Eagles have been doing intensive damage control the past few days.
After a narrow victory in Week 14, A.J. Brown – who finished the game with four receptions for 43 yards – was visibly upset after the win. During a post-game interview, Brown said that the "passing" needed to improve which led to conversations about his relationship with Jalen Hurts.
Then on Monday, Dec. 9, defensive end Brandon Graham shared that "things have changed" between the receiver and quarterback. Naturally, Graham's inside scoop sparked more drama. Later that same day, Graham redacted his comments and said he made an "assumption" about his teammates.
(Photo: Mitchell Leff, Getty)
Yesterday Brown switched his Instagram profile picture to the Joker, insinuating that he is the "villain" in the Eagles' latest dispute. That probably wasn't the best move for the team as a whole, which has led to Brown addressing the media today.
“Me and Jalen are good.”
AJ Brown on his relationship with Jalen Hurts. pic.twitter.com/tUzQrBVJeA
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) December 11, 2024
Brown noted that similar to the media, Graham took Brown's "passing" comment as a dig towards Hurts. In actuality, that was a serious critique of the offense since only their running game has been working – according to Brown.
AJ Brown says his “passing” comment was not about Jalen Hurts
Says they lost the Super Bowl in 2022. Didn’t get there in 2023. He wants to get there and win it in 2024 and he knows the passing game (blocking, routes, reads, etc) can be better if that is going to happen pic.twitter.com/ZT2f4A2aJ6
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) December 11, 2024
"[**Saquon Barkley**] about to win MVP. Like literally," Brown said about the Eagles' offense. "So what other thing [do we] do on offense? We have to pass the ball. And that can go into our protection, picking up a block, us getting open quicker, getting on the same page, Jalen's reads. Whatever the case may be. It's a collect group of things."
Hurts also spoke with the media today and shared a similar message as Brown.
Jalen Hurts on his relationship with AJ Brown
“We’re good”
Says he has spoken to AJ since Brandon’s comments pic.twitter.com/k4pqipP0w6
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) December 11, 2024
As for his relationship with Brown, the quarterback kept it brief - "We're good." When it came to his defensive veteran, Hurts said that Graham "spoke out of place." Most of Hurt's answers pointed back towards the team and how they are just focused on their next game.
This Sunday, the Eagles (11-2) will be hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3). With the playoff race heating up, a win would aid the Eagles fight for the No. 1 seed and bye. A win would also signify that the birds won't implode like last year.