The Eagles' passing attack has been under scrutiny so far in the 2025 season, especially that of A.J. Brown.
After a one catch performance in week one, followed up by an anemic Week 2 performance, Brown returned to form in Week 3 with six receptions for 109 yards against the Rams. Coming into the week, Brown had only registered six catches for 35 yards.
Brown's day against the Rams wasn't empty stats. The Pro Bowl wide receiver had four receptions for first downs, in addition to finding "pay dirt" for the first time this season, bringing the Eagles within one score of LA. PFF graded him at a 72.8, with a 90.8 grade in the second half, earning him the 22nd highest ranking of wide receivers going into this week, while also making his debut on PFF's list as well.
"Brown moved the chains four times and caught his first touchdown pass of the season, a nine-yard grab over Darious Williams to make it a one-score game," PFF's Lauren Gray said. "He tallied three contested catches, forced three missed tackles and had three catches of 20-plus yards, including a one-handed 38-yarder with Cobie Durant on his shoulder.
Brown averaged 5.8 yards after the catch per reception and 3.03 yards per route run, and he generated a 130.8 passer rating when targeted. Nine of his 10 targets came in the second half, as well as all of his catches, as Philadelphia mounted its comeback. He finished with a 90.3 PFF receiving grade in the second half."
How Brown went from forgotten offensive target to getting back into the mix
While the Eagles are enjoying a 3-0 start to the season, Brown's production has been questioned throughout the young season. While much can be put to rest with Philadelphia's superior rushing attack, in addition to the success of the "Tush Push", many fans have shifted blame to first-time player, now offensive coordinator, Kevin Patullo.
While Patullo has had his struggles, the overall success of the organization trumps the statistical output of Brown. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni has been on record stating that every week it's possible that an Eagles wide receiver could "pop" or even be the focal point of the offense.
In Week 1, it was Dallas Goedert/Jahan Dotson answering the call. In Week 2, it was DeVonta Smith, and in Week 3, Brown was "the guy" for Jalen Hurts when the Eagles needed him most. It's also worth noting that Philadelphia has been one of the NFL's least pass-happy teams, ranking 30th in the NFL through three games.
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While Brown's statistical volatility may frustrate fantasy owners, his impact on the Eagles' offense is unmatched regardless of his stat line. In an offense featuring Smith, Goedert, Saquon Barkley, and Dotson, opposing defenses are tasked with an extremely difficult task of matching up against Philadelphia's offensive weapons. Regardless, while I'm sure Brown would appreciate more "touches", the ultimate goal for Philadelphia is to win games and earn another championship, which is precisely what they've been doing so far in 2025.