WR A.J. Brown, PHI (6 Viewers)

[unckeyherb]

Nothing says fantasy football like benching AJB this week due to the matchup with Surtain and seeing 6/110 and a long score.

Why would Surtain cover the Eagles' WR3?

Its not who's covering AJB, he's got the stuff to beat great CBs. But will the Denver DLine stop Barkley and Hurts from running 1st downs. Then can Hurts even get the ball to Brown, he looks regressed as a passer

Hurts looked pretty damn good as a passer the second half of the Rams game and the first half of the last game. It should be noted that he seemed to be forcing passes to AJ in the second half and made a lot of bad throws that upped the "targets" to AJ but were in effect uncatchable. It should also be noted that prior to those errant passes Jalen got destroyed on a play the initially was flagged as helmet to helmet (but got picked up when replay showed the defender drove his shoulder into Hurts' helmet). The knock on effect of the hit was still that Jalens head slammed the ground. Watching in real timewe all thought it was a concussion level event, but obviously he stayed in and didn't complete a pass for the rest of the game after that hit.

ETA I've listened to a bunch of analysts on the radio for the last two days-guys I respect (Ron Jaworski, Seth Joyner, Ray Didinger) all say that AJ was being covered in man coverage almost exclusively (which is not how you would expect a DC to cover him) and was simply not getting open.

I started to think you were whining but not at all, the hit/concussion type event fills in some blanks for why he didn't complete a single pass the rest if th way
I thought you were crying foul on the Bucs, like a dirty hit or something but that's not what you wrote

Thank You Herb

No definitely not-it was a clean hit. He was definitely shook a bit from it though. Might be nothing, but it seemed to have an impact

 

[taylormeetstheismann]

Local fan here.

Listening on the radio, Hugh Douglas relayed some concerning conversations he's had with current players in the last day or so. Basically he said that he texted a few guys on the team that he's friends with to inquire about whats going on with AJ Brown. Said he immediately got a bunch of calls back from these players that told him they weren't going to touch that. He said that his sense in talking to these guys was that whatever the problem is, its bigger than football. And that at least one of the guys said, "hey man, its BAD bad."

The assumption here is that its a continuation of the broken relationship with Jalen that BG spoke out about last year. This is starting to smell like some Donovan/TO type stuff, except that they at least were able to look past the personal problems and produce on the field. If these guys can't work through whatever this is, it has the potential to derail this season.

I thought these guys get paid tens of millions to listen to their coaches, run the plays and deliver on the field.

 

[Dizzy]

Local fan here.

Listening on the radio, Hugh Douglas relayed some concerning conversations he's had with current players in the last day or so. Basically he said that he texted a few guys on the team that he's friends with to inquire about whats going on with AJ Brown. Said he immediately got a bunch of calls back from these players that told him they weren't going to touch that. He said that his sense in talking to these guys was that whatever the problem is, its bigger than football. And that at least one of the guys said, "hey man, its BAD bad."

The assumption here is that its a continuation of the broken relationship with Jalen that BG spoke out about last year. This is starting to smell like some Donovan/TO type stuff, except that they at least were able to look past the personal problems and produce on the field. If these guys can't work through whatever this is, it has the potential to derail this season.

I thought these guys get paid tens of millions to listen to their coaches, run the plays and deliver on the field.

He got the money... he got the ring... now he wants to get to the HOF.
Perfect storm brewing here... Bible verses after another dud game in week 4 and now he draws Patrick Surtain!

 

[Faust]

Eliot Shorr-Parks
AJ Browns speaks to the media for the first time since his tweet

** Started with a statement
** Says he let his frustrations get the best of him
** Says he is in constant communication with Sirianni and Patullo

More:

https://x.com/eliotshorrparks/status/1973488034923552807?s=61

 

[taylormeetstheismann]

Eliot Shorr-Parks
AJ Browns speaks to the media for the first time since his tweet

** Started with a statement
** Says he let his frustrations get the best of him
** Says he is in constant communication with Sirianni and Patullo

More:

https://x.com/eliotshorrparks/status/1973488034923552807?s=61

None of this is that hard. AJ is making $32m a year and his focus should be on getting open as often as possible. Let the coaches worry about making sure the guy making $51m a year gets him the ball when he’s open. That’s it.

 

[Proteus]

Local fan here.

Listening on the radio, Hugh Douglas relayed some concerning conversations he's had with current players in the last day or so. Basically he said that he texted a few guys on the team that he's friends with to inquire about whats going on with AJ Brown. Said he immediately got a bunch of calls back from these players that told him they weren't going to touch that. He said that his sense in talking to these guys was that whatever the problem is, its bigger than football. And that at least one of the guys said, "hey man, its BAD bad."

The assumption here is that its a continuation of the broken relationship with Jalen that BG spoke out about last year. This is starting to smell like some Donovan/TO type stuff, except that they at least were able to look past the personal problems and produce on the field. If these guys can't work through whatever this is, it has the potential to derail this season.

I'm not saying it's NOT at least partially tied to his tenuous relationship with Hurts, but everything points to another root imo:

Doctors spotlight importance of Philadelphia Eagles' A.J. Brown being a mental health advocate

A.J. Brown has been an open advocate for mental health, and doctors say his message of hope sets an important example.

www.cbsnews.com

You don't just check that box and move on. Even with rigorous treatment it can rear its ugly head

 

[unckeyherb]

Eliot Shorr-Parks
AJ Browns speaks to the media for the first time since his tweet

** Started with a statement
** Says he let his frustrations get the best of him
** Says he is in constant communication with Sirianni and Patullo

More:

https://x.com/eliotshorrparks/status/1973488034923552807?s=61

In constant communication with Sirriani and Patullo but not Hurts.

 

[Uncle Leo]

So how LOW are we buying? Maybe Olave for AJ? Is that LOW enough?

 

[ProstheticRGK]

So how LOW are we buying? Maybe Olave for AJ? Is that LOW enough?

I’m not selling that low. I’m pot-committed.

If he continues another 3-4 weeks of nothing, I might just cut him for WW fodder.

 

[GPS]

More immediate question is do I continue rolling him out this week against the Broncos?? Have him on my bench right now. Is there a path to a decent game? Targets have been there, but we all know the outcome in 3 out of 4 so far.

 

[higgins]

More immediate question is do I continue rolling him out this week against the Broncos?? Have him on my bench right now. Is there a path to a decent game? Targets have been there, but we all know the outcome in 3 out of 4 so far.

I have nothing for you -- all I can say (with the same questions you have) is that I'm rolling Pittman & MHJ over him.

 

[confusedinflorida]

As much as I subscribe to the 'always start your studs' theory, leaning toward benching AJB this week for Keenan Allen.

Perfect storm of Surtain + my zero confidence that this OC will even attempt (or is capable) of play design to scheme AJ open.

Given how dangerous Denver D's is I assume they will have an ultra conservative game plan to limit mistakes.

If gamescript has them playing with a lead I'd be surprised is they have more than 20 pass attempts.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

The Eagles might actually have to score this week and not just hand the ball off for 3 yards every play

 

[steelwind]

I think AJB will be dealt at trade deadline.

NYG - In the same division but not a playoff contender. Help Dart develop.
SF - They will be 3-2 after week5. Still in contention record wise.
Bills - Shakir is it. Pair AJB with Allen?
NE - AJB played for Vrabel at Tenn who is now the HC at NE. Maye is rising. Needs a physical alpha next to Diggs. Plus insurance incase something happens to Diggs.

These teams I can see come knocking on the door. AJB got his ring. I think he can reach HoF in these lineups.
Phi can sustain without AJB. They are going to run the ball regardless with Hurts/Barkley. Then minimally pass to Smith/Goedert.

 

[-OZ-]

As much as I subscribe to the 'always start your studs' theory, leaning toward benching AJB this week for Keenan Allen.

Perfect storm of Surtain + my zero confidence that this OC will even attempt (or is capable) of play design to scheme AJ open.

Given how dangerous Denver D's is I assume they will have an ultra conservative game plan to limit mistakes.

If gamescript has them playing with a lead I'd be surprised is they have more than 20 pass attempts.

Totally understandable. Of course the time you bench him, he’ll go 8/150/2

 

[Terpman22]

I think AJB will be dealt at trade deadline.

NYG - In the same division but not a playoff contender. Help Dart develop.
SF - They will be 3-2 after week5. Still in contention record wise.
Bills - Shakir is it. Pair AJB with Allen?
NE - Maye is rising. Needs a physical alpha next to Diggs. Plus insurance incase something happens to Diggs.

These teams I can see come knocking on the door. AJB got his ring. I think he can reach HoF in these lineups.

I think its like $40M in dead cap money if they trade him and they would be left with "who" at WR1? The team is 4-0, you think they are just going to give up on their own Super Bowl dreams and crater future cap years to a guy they just signed to a 2nd extension?

Is he a bit unhinged/crazy? Sometimes, but I can understand at least where he is coming from

This is not a T.O. situation IMO

 

[steelwind]

I think AJB will be dealt at trade deadline.

NYG - In the same division but not a playoff contender. Help Dart develop.
SF - They will be 3-2 after week5. Still in contention record wise.
Bills - Shakir is it. Pair AJB with Allen?
NE - Maye is rising. Needs a physical alpha next to Diggs. Plus insurance incase something happens to Diggs.

These teams I can see come knocking on the door. AJB got his ring. I think he can reach HoF in these lineups.

I think its like $40M in dead cap money if they trade him and they would be left with "who" at WR1? The team is 4-0, you think they are just going to give up on their own Super Bowl dreams and crater future cap years to a guy they just signed to a 2nd extension?

Is he a bit unhinged/crazy? Sometimes, but I can understand at least where he is coming from

This is not a T.O. situation IMO

I thought this through as well. It seems to me they can repeat SB run without AJB.
AJB is barely involved anyway.
They are winning with running, clock control, and the tush push. Worked for them last year. And it's working this year at 4-0.

 

[steelwind]

Here is something else to consider that supports AJB being traded theory.
The trade deadline is Nov 4th.
Eagles bye week 9 is Nov 2nd.

 

[JohnnyU]

Here is something else to consider that supports AJB being traded theory.
The trade deadline is Nov 4th.
Eagles bye week 9 is Nov 2nd.

As long as he doesn't go to the f-ing Chiefs.

 

[travdogg]

I think AJB will be dealt at trade deadline.

NYG - In the same division but not a playoff contender. Help Dart develop.
SF - They will be 3-2 after week5. Still in contention record wise.
Bills - Shakir is it. Pair AJB with Allen?
NE - Maye is rising. Needs a physical alpha next to Diggs. Plus insurance incase something happens to Diggs.

These teams I can see come knocking on the door. AJB got his ring. I think he can reach HoF in these lineups.

I think its like $40M in dead cap money if they trade him and they would be left with "who" at WR1? The team is 4-0, you think they are just going to give up on their own Super Bowl dreams and crater future cap years to a guy they just signed to a 2nd extension?

Is he a bit unhinged/crazy? Sometimes, but I can understand at least where he is coming from

This is not a T.O. situation IMO

I thought this through as well. It seems to me they can repeat SB run without AJB.
AJB is barely involved anyway.
They are winning with running, clock control, and the tush push. Worked for them last year. And it's working this year at 4-0.

I would strongly disagree with all this. They aren't winning it all without AJ, and they absolutely aren't winning it with this formula. They are 4-0 sure, but its a very fluky 4-0. that could just as easily be 0-4. 30th in offense isn't doing it. Winning because of blocked FGs returned for TDs isn't a sustainable formula.

This wasn't the formula last year. They were 8th in yards last season. Hurts was at 8 YPA (which is excellent) right now his at 6 YPA (which is really bad) and that's also a big reason why Barkley is struggling. There aren't threatening deep. Last year, whenever teams stacked the box, Brown (and Smith to a lesser extent) made them pay deep.

 

[YoUnG GuNz]

I think something else worth mentioning is that the offensive line has actually been really bad this year. No one has touched on it in this thread so far which is surprising. Saquon is getting cracked behind LoS. Dickerson is playing through a painful injury. Lane Johnson has spent half the games in the medical tent. Jurgens has been mediocre. The only strength of the oline thus far has been Mailata.

 

[JohnnyU]

I think something else worth mentioning is that the offensive line has actually been really bad this year. No one has touched on it in this thread so far which is surprising. Saquon is getting cracked behind LoS. Dickerson is playing through a painful injury. Lane Johnson has spent half the games in the medical tent. Jurgens has been mediocre. The only strength of the oline thus far has been Mailata.

oh...but they are so good at the tush push

 

[unckeyherb]

I think something else worth mentioning is that the offensive line has actually been really bad this year. No one has touched on it in this thread so far which is surprising. Saquon is getting cracked behind LoS. Dickerson is playing through a painful injury. Lane Johnson has spent half the games in the medical tent. Jurgens has been mediocre. The only strength of the oline thus far has been Mailata.

He has been mediocre as well to be honest. There was some all 22 play analysis that showed him whiffing on blocks a ton last week. The oline has been a real problem. Its the biggest reason for all the offensive woes so far.

 

[Terpman22]

I think something else worth mentioning is that the offensive line has actually been really bad this year. No one has touched on it in this thread so far which is surprising. Saquon is getting cracked behind LoS. Dickerson is playing through a painful injury. Lane Johnson has spent half the games in the medical tent. Jurgens has been mediocre. The only strength of the oline thus far has been Mailata.

He has been mediocre as well to be honest. There was some all 22 play analysis that showed him whiffing on blocks a ton last week. The oline has been a real problem. Its the biggest reason for all the offensive woes so far.

Yeah its a fact the offensive line is playing the worst its played at least since 2020 when everyone was injured and/or less talented.

The interior especially is a big ? right now and its very obvious

 

[eighsse2]

all the offensive woes

"offensive woes" Poor, poor 4-0 Eagles and their 27 ppg offense.

Sincerely,
Bengals Fan

P.s. don't take this too snarkily, the term "offensive woes" just sounds funny from down here

 

[unckeyherb]

all the offensive woes

"offensive woes" Poor, poor 4-0 Eagles and their 27 ppg offense.

Sincerely,
Bengals Fan

P.s. don't take this too snarkily, the term "offensive woes" just sounds funny from down here

Well, take away the blocked punts/FGs returned for TDs and it more like 23 ppg. Your point is well taken but honestly, this team should be dropping 35 points every game with the talent they have on offense. And ask any fan, the offense has about two legitimately good halves so far this season.

 

[JohnnyU]

all the offensive woes

"offensive woes" Poor, poor 4-0 Eagles and their 27 ppg offense.

Sincerely,
Bengals Fan

P.s. don't take this too snarkily, the term "offensive woes" just sounds funny from down here

Ohio St. would be competitive against the Bengals.

 

[Proteus]

So what are we getting this week?

"Squeaky wheel/please don't be mad" treatment?

or

"Get over yourself/we're winning" treatment?

 

[eighsse2]

So what are we getting this week?

"Squeaky wheel/please don't be mad" treatment?

or

"Get over yourself/we're winning" treatment?

Certainly assertin' he'll be hurtin' with the Surtain curtain.

 

[Proteus]

So what are we getting this week?

"Squeaky wheel/please don't be mad" treatment?

or

"Get over yourself/we're winning" treatment?

Certainly assertin' he'll be hurtin' with the Surtain curtain.

Then it sounds like a benchin' to another dimension or my heart valves might be a-wrenchin'.

 

[eighsse2]

So what are we getting this week?

"Squeaky wheel/please don't be mad" treatment?

or

"Get over yourself/we're winning" treatment?

Certainly assertin' he'll be hurtin' with the Surtain curtain.

Then it sounds like a benchin' to another dimension or my heart valves might be a-wrenchin'.

To be specific in my case, I'm starting (planning to, anyway) Smith-Njigba, Egbuka, and Olave over him. Olave is the tough call.

 

[Proteus]

So what are we getting this week?

"Squeaky wheel/please don't be mad" treatment?

or

"Get over yourself/we're winning" treatment?

Certainly assertin' he'll be hurtin' with the Surtain curtain.

Then it sounds like a benchin' to another dimension or my heart valves might be a-wrenchin'.

To be specific in my case, I'm starting (planning to, anyway) Smith-Njigba, Egbuka, and Olave over him. Olave is the tough call.

1st 2 are no brainers imo, the last one's a brainer, and hopefully Olave's stays inside his skull.

I'm considering rolling w Pickens, Sutton, and Allen over Brown.

Can't believe it's come to this.

 

[eighsse2]

So what are we getting this week?

"Squeaky wheel/please don't be mad" treatment?

or

"Get over yourself/we're winning" treatment?

Certainly assertin' he'll be hurtin' with the Surtain curtain.

Then it sounds like a benchin' to another dimension or my heart valves might be a-wrenchin'.

To be specific in my case, I'm starting (planning to, anyway) Smith-Njigba, Egbuka, and Olave over him. Olave is the tough call.

1st 2 are no brainers imo, the last one's a brainer, and hopefully Olave's stays inside his skull.

I'm considering rolling w Pickens, Sutton, and Allen over Brown.

Can't believe it's come to this.

Those are fairly strong options over Brown. I think Pickens for sure. After that, take your pick among the other three. Brown is getting the targets and we know he has the talent. But the other guys are actually putting up points (Brown did have a 23-point game, but other than that ...), plus the Surtain situation.

 

[dkp993]

Worthy and Pittman over him for sure*. Stuck on AJB or Godwin.


*can’t believe we are living in this world.

 

[taylormeetstheismann]

Seems like everyone is in panic mode now.

 

[eighsse2]

To be clear, I'm not panicking yet. It's the fact that he's facing Surtain this week that makes him an extra sketchy start. If he were going against an average defense, I'd be starting him. He's getting targeted frequently, points will come.

 

[Faust]

Eagles have no plans to trade A.J. Brown, confident in WR's role in offense

 

[shadrap]

13 pts in PPR would be a pleasant surprise. not expecting that though.

 

[taylormeetstheismann]

Eagles have no plans to trade A.J. Brown, confident in WR's role in offense

I always laugh when I see a comment like getting the ball to Brown early.

Sure.

 

[JohnnyU]

I got out of Brown in one league this week and traded him, JCM, and McCarthy for Jayden Daniels and a 2026 2nd. This is a 1qb league and the qb only gets 4 points per passing TD. Hoping for rushing upside when he's fully healthy.

I thought it was a good opportunity to sell Brown. I still have him in other leagues.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Hard to start him
Hard to bench him, just lost Hill in the same league

 

[FarFromHome]

Just 28 years old.

 

[JohnnyU]

Just 28 years old.

Still a good time to sell him IMO.

 

[Cowboysfan8]

Alright. Let’s go you bum

 

[Alex P Keaton]

This guy is so massively overrated

Suck it Eagles fans if you don’t like the observation

 

[kface]

That's it for starting him - he's essentially cost me every week but 1

Guy is washed up

 

[Uncle Leo]

Was he covered by Surtain? If so, then this stat line is what we should have expected.

Hurts had a great passing day, so we can’t blame him.

 

[renesauz]

Was he covered by Surtain? If so, then this stat line is what we should have expected.

Hurts had a great passing day, so we can’t blame him.

Surtain was actually following him around, so the result isn't terrible all things considered

 

[ProstheticRGK]

Upcoming schedule: Giants, Vikings, Giants.

If he doesn’t absolutely go off Thursday night, he’s riding pine.

 

[taylormeetstheismann]

Oh jeez…

https://x.com/JimmyKempski/status/1975337127639720068