You ever tried grilling without flipping the burgers? That’s what this summer felt like for Birds fans. The sizzle was missing. A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith stayed on the sideline more than a left-handed pitcher in Fenway. Folks started whispering like it was 4th-and-26 all over again.
All the talk revolves around one question. Can the Eagles' offense, which has been barely seen this summer, deliver the first blow against Dallas?
Star wideout A.J. Brown heard all that nervous chatter. And he had a very different answer for the doubters.
Brown outright rejected any notion of concern. A reporter asked about the lack of healthy offensive reps. Brown’s response was calm and confident. He stated, "No, I think that's nothing to worry about. You know, it comes down to executing and doing your job, and I think whoever's out there is going to do their job." This message is crucial for an Eagles team facing immediate pressure.
The statistics back up Brown’s unwavering confidence. He is a proven performer. Brown averages a stellar 85.8 receiving yards per game as an Eagle. He is also on a historic pace. Brown ranks among all-time greats through his first 100 games. His mere presence forces defenses to adjust their entire scheme. And that creates opportunities for everyone else on the field.
Teammate DeVonta Smith, who also missed significant camp time, echoed the sentiment. He viewed the situation as a positive for depth. Smith said, "It was good for the young guys to get out there and get those reps because you never know what's going to happen."
Players like Jahan Dotson gained invaluable experience with quarterback Jalen Hurts. This could pay dividends later in the long season. Brown himself is returning from a hamstring issue. But he left no doubt about his status for the huge opener.
When asked if he’d play, his reply was emphatic: “Hell yeah.” All indications are that he will be a full go. The team handled his recovery with extreme caution for this very moment.
A. J. Brown's Message: Focus on the Future, Not the Past
The organization’s entire focus is squarely on the Cowboys. This was made clear with their decision regarding the Super Bowl LIX banner ceremony. The team will not be on the field for the unveiling. They have completely turned the page on last year’s triumph.
Brown confirmed the team’s locked-in mentality. He said, "We put that to bed long ago. We just ready to go. That's over with." This business-like approach is a hallmark of championship-caliber teams.
This mindset starts at the top with Coach Nick Sirianni. He has cultivated a culture of stability and development. The Eagles excel at building for sustained success. Their practice squad program is legendary for turning raw talent into key contributors. This organizational strength allows them to weather absences.
Read more: Nick Sirianni refuses to give LG's injury update amid his return to practice
So, when Brown says there’s no worry, you listen. His track record and the team’s depth provide every reason to believe. The lights of Thursday Night Football will reveal the truth. The Eagles seem ready. Brown had said, “We gotta do it again, try to win her over again.” Thursday night is the first swipe right.