Eagles hope to use a late scuffle vs. Commanders to fuel a second-half push

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown may have struggled in the first two weeks of the playoffs, but his presence has been felt in the first half of the NFC Championship Game against the Washington Commanders.

At halftime, Brown has recorded four catches for 64 receiving yards and one of the Eagles' four touchdowns.

He’s been dominant against Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore, with the two even sharing a heated moment in the second quarter:

A.J. Brown and Marshon Lattimore mix it up. Might this ignite an Eagles run?

Brown caught a pass for 31 yards on fourth down as the two minute warning approached, beating Lattimore over the top on vertical route.

The completion and fourth down conversion served as a pivotal moment in the first half silencing the momentum that Washington had built up as they came back from an 11-point deficit.

Lattimore has struggled this season, sporting a 70 overall PFF grade, ranked 52nd among cornerbacks in the NFL. He has his hands full going across from Brown, one of the league's top wide receivers.

Lattimore, who was traded to Washington from New Orleans at the trade deadline, had a few choice words for Brown after being flagged for defensive pass interference in the end zone.

On the ensuing play, Philadelphia successfully executed their patented 'Tush Push' for a touchdown. The aftermath saw tensions boil over, as Lattimore and Brown got into a full-blown altercation.

The two exchanged shoves as Brown blocked during the run play, with a hand inadvertently making its way to Lattimore's face. Lattimore responded by wrapping his arms around Brown and, with his helmet off, continued to confront the Eagles' star wide receiver.

Both players were seperated shortly thereafter and the Eagles stacked on top of their lead in those final two minutes of the half.

Philadelphia now leads 27-15 -- Brown gave the Eagles their fourth touchdown, one that he caught in the right side of the end zone, managing to keep both feet in bounds.

Expect the two players, who are known to be physical, to continue the increase intensity in the second half. Hopefully the Eagles use the emotion as fuel.