Most Philadelphia Eagles fans were interested in watching their former wide receiver, A.J. Brown, make his debut with the New England Patriots against the Seattle Seahawks, but it did not end the way anyone was hoping.
Brown was targeted four times, with three receptions for 26 yards. An ankle injury in the third quarter cost Brown the rest of the game, and the Patriots lost to the Seahawks 13-10.
Eagles fans might have their A.J. Brown haters in Philly, but no one wanted to see this happen to him. Instead, one aspect of the game after the injury shows what the Eagles need to avoid.
Eagles must be able to function with life outside of A.J. Brown
Before Brown left the game, the Patriots were not doing that great offensively, but did maintain a 7-0 lead in the third quarter. After his injury, though, the tone of the game instantly changed.
WEEI's Justin Turpin pointed out an interesting trend with the Patriots after Brown's departure. It shows an offense that completely fell apart on the next five drives:
3 plays, 5 yards, FG
3 plays, 0 yards, Punt
6 plays, 23 yards, INT
5 plays, 8 yards, INT
15 plays, 57 yards, INT
This game completely changed when A.J. Brown left.
— Justin Turpin (@JustinmTurpin) September 10, 2026
The Patriots' 5 drives after he left:
3 plays, 5 yards, FG
3 plays, 0 yards, Punt
6 plays, 23 yards, INT
5 plays, 8 yards, INT
15 plays, 57 yards, INT
32 plays, 93 yards, three interceptions
The final math is 32 plays for 93 yards and three interceptions. Brown leaving the game devastated the Patriots' offense, as they lost their top offensive weapon.
What's the one thing everyone has been worried about with the Eagles' offense and quarterback Jalen Hurts? They won't be able to function without Brown in the passing game.
Over the last four years with the Eagles, Brown went for 5,034 yards and 32 touchdowns. He made two Pro Bowls and three second-team All-Pro selections. Brown was the number one guy in the passing game.
Philly also needs to make sure their offense doesn't completely fall apart without Brown in the lineup. Since 2024, the Eagles are 3-3 without Brown in the starting lineup, averaging 348.1 yards and 21.6 points per game.
Hurts needs to lean on DeVonta Smith to step up and play well as the new WR1. But guys like Makai Lemon, Dontayvion Wicks, Hollywood Brown, Darius Cooper, and Elijah Moore also need to step up at wide receiver.
The Eagles took a massive risk trading Brown away back in June, thinking that things could get worse in the passing game. That's why the wide receivers on this team need to step up and perform well in 2026.
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This is a cautionary tale the Eagles better have seen and worked to prevent from happening to them. Their offense needs to function without Brown, or they'll be in trouble when they take the field against the Washington Commanders in Week 1.
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