Philadelphia's passing attack wasn't especially potent throughout the 28-22 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round of the NFC playoffs. The team had a total of just 128 passing yards and zero touchdowns. A.J. Brown had just two receptions for 14 yards, while DeVonta Smith had four receptions for 21 yards.
A.J. Brown blames the wintry conditions for Philadelphia's struggles in the passing game in win over L.A.
Usually, this would be a cause for concern. However, given the wintry conditions of the contest, Brown thinks that the passing game should be given a pass for the performance. Brown explained how the lack of visibility and the slippery snow made it exceedingly difficult to move the ball through the air.
"You've got to give this a pass," Brown said. "You've got to give this game a pass. It was just tough. The conditions were tough. I keep getting this question, but can't do nothing about it. The conditions were crazy. We couldn't even see out there, so imagine throwing the ball and catching the ball, even though they were doing it at the end. The game's on the line, they didn't have a choice. I don't think that would've been their first choice."
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Philadelphia's passing numbers would have looked better if Hurts and Brown connected on a 40-plus yard pass late in the first half, but the usually sure-handed Brown was able to hang onto the ball and concert the catch. It's one that Brown surely wishes he could have back.
"It's tough. No excuses," Brown said of the dropped pass. "I just wish I could've held onto it. The conditions kind of play a part, but it's just tough. I try to do my best just to hold onto it."
"We just didn't connect," Hurts added of the missed connection. "Just didn't connect this time around. It's been a minute in general since we've done that as a whole. So, holistically, as an offense, we just want to go out there and take advantage of all the opportunities we have at hand and continue to learn from them."
But, while the Eagles weren't able to establish much rhythm through the air against L.A., they certainly were able to establish the ground game. As a team they ran for 285 yards and three touchdowns against the Rams. Saquon Barkley accounted for 205 yards and two touchdowns, while Hurts added 70 yards and a TD of his own. Plus, they walked away with the most important stat: A win.
It's worth reminding people that the Eagles have the best running game and the best defense in the league. So, while some people continue to look for monster passing numbers, the Eagles just keep playing to their strengths and winning games.