While Philadelphia Eagles fans were happy with their win against the rival Dallas Cowboys top open the 2025 season, many were left puzzled after the passing game looked completely basic and out of sorts for most of the evening. The lack of wide receiver production was puzzling.
Wide receivers A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith combined for just four receptions and 27 yards on the afternoon. Brown's performance was even more concerning, as he caught just one pass for 11 yards on one target, which came as the Eagles were trying to chew clock at the end of the game.
Fans didn't know where to direct their ire at first. Did Brown have a terrible game? Was Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus putting new Eagles offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo in a headlock for most of the evening? Was Hurts unable to see Brown getting open?
Brown himself claims that his poor production was the result of the Cowboys playing zone coverage the entire game, preventing him from using his giant frame to overpower smaller defensive backs. The occasionally moody Brown doesn't seem too broken up about that fact, claiming that he is in good spirits because the Eagles won.
A.J. Brown explains reasoning behind one-catch Week 1 vs. Cowboys
Brown is not talking out of turn here. Eberflus did not call one single man coverage design the entire game, showing that he believes his zone scheme can limit big passing plays down the field. After just one week of evidence, that theory seems to have been proven correct.
Patullo didn't do much to ingratiate himself with a fanbase that is notoriously impatient when it comes to new coordinators, as the hallmark of his passing game seemed to be checkdowns over the middle to Dallas Goedert. They can beat teams like Dallas playing that way, but contenders will be much stingier.
Brown will need to play much better against a contender like the Kansas City Chiefs in Philly's Week 2 duel. With games against playoff teams in the Rams and Buccaneers following that game, the heat is on for Brown to get back on the right track as soon as possible.
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Brown might not sound too peeved about his performance after Week 1, especially because the Eagles came out with a victory, but if this issue persists further into the season and the wins aren't coming constantly, this could be the cause of some serious strife within the locker room.