A lot has been made about the Philadelphia Eagles' recent offensive struggles over the last two games. Still, one former NFL wide receiver might have just exposed what the offense, specifically A.J. Brown and offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo, is doing wrong.
On a recent episode of Nightcap, Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson discussed the Eagles' 16-9 win over the Detroit Lions in Week 11 with Shannon Sharpe. The one takeaway from Johnson's experience watching the game is how predictable Brown and Philly's offense is.
"The fact that I can tell you, based on A.J. Brown's alignment, I can tell you exactly the route he's running. That's not good. That's not good, because if I know it and I'm not watching film I'm just watching the games each and every Sunday, what do you think those that re playing across from him are doing. He had 11 targets, but it's the same stuff over and over and over. If he lines up two yard outside the number, if he's by himself, he's running a hitch. If it's two by two and Smitty's on his side with him or the tight ends on his side when he is off the ball, he's running a slant. It's like the same thing. If he's inside, he is running the quick out or the stick route. It's just the same thing."
"I understand his frustrations. Not only is he not putting up the numbers he'd like to, but you know what's actually coming based on his alignment and where he is. Route recognition, formation recognition, and the tendencies are all the same."
Harsh, but fair criticism of the Eagles' offense and Brown's play
This is something everyone has kind of noticed is Brown only really runs a few routes. The hitch route Johnson talked about is becoming a massive topic of discussion with Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert all in the top 16 in the NFL in hitch routes run.
A major complaint about Brown's game this year is that he hasn't been able to create much separation from cornerbacks on routes. He hasn't had as many explosive plays on offense and tends to slow down on routes when he should keep running down the field for Jalen Hurts.
Part of Brown's issues, though, must be put on Patullo's predictable play-calling. He lacks creativity in his offense, which puts more pressure on his playmakers to create yards after the catch rather than devising plays that get them open.
Read more: NFL analyst demands false narrative on Eagles' "conservative" offense to end now
The more the Eagles' offense gets dissected, the more the fan base worries that there isn't a real plan on offense. It has some already thinking big changes in the offseason are coming for the unit.