Over the last few weeks, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown has been in the national media spotlight more for his peculiar habit of reading books on the sideline. His struggles, and his previously discussed connection with quarterback Jalen Hurts, were so noticeable that they were primary talking points, even after the Eagles ended up winning.
While Jayden Daniels gives the Washington Commanders as lethal an offensive attack as anyone in the conference, their defense remains extremely suspect. Hurts and Brown, especially the All-Pro wide receiver, took advantage of this in dominant fashion.
By the end of the third quarter, which saw Philadelphia go up 34-15 after another Jalen Hurts touchdown pass, Brown had caught six passes for 96 yards and a touchdown, all while going up against Marshon Lattimore. Brown was getting Lattimore so ticked off that he committed some big penalties and almost got into a fight.
After weeks of the Eagles' passing game getting unfairly maligned for a few substandard weeks in a row, Brown and Hurts got on the same page at the right time, so much so that Washington did not have an answer for those two during this historic interdivisional playoff.
A.J. Brown stepping up for Eagles in NFC Championship should silence doubters
Brown had caught just three passes for 24 yards without a touchdown in the first two playoff games, both of which were not exactly banner games for Hurts and the Philadelphia passing game. This performance was needed, as it reminded the NFL how lethal No. 11 can be when he is
In the Super Bowl two years ago, Brown caught six passes for 96 yards with a touchdown, mirroring his production against Washington. Hurts and Brown's connection, as well as Saquon Barkley's hot start, was enough to withstand some harsh blows from Daniels before the team eventually caved in.
The Eagles will face much stuffer defensive resistence in the Super Bowl, however, as Washington's lack of talent in the secondary was apparent all season long. However, the fact Brown and Hurts appear to have finally figured out their issues and worked to get back in sync at the right time could be very troubling for their next opponent.
As long as Hurts and Brown are linking up, and the mighty offensive line gives Philly enough time in the pocket, the Eagles can be deadly enough to take down any opponent in the league.