After watching the Eagles closely, the evidence is undeniable: A.J. Brown’s frustrations are both visible and fully supported by the numbers. His role in the passing game has shrunk significantly. He has 31 receptions for 408 yards and three touchdowns through nine games, which puts him on pace for a career low in receiving yards. He is averaging only 3.9 catches and 51 yards per game, a steep drop from the 5.6 receptions and 85.5 yards he posted across his first three seasons in Philadelphia. His career-worst figures in yards per target (7.6) and target completion rate (57.4%) confirm the trend. Despite his explosive talent, the offense has not leveraged him effectively, and his reduced impact has become a major factor in the Eagles’ broader offensive issues.
Several forces are driving the decline. The Eagles have shifted heavily toward the run and currently rank among the league’s top three in rushing attempts, which naturally limits passing volume. Jalen Hurts has been reasonably efficient with a 62.8 percent completion rate, but he is looking elsewhere more often, particularly toward the tight end. This happens even when defensive alignments initially suggest double coverage on Brown before rotating out. Those rotations should create opportunities, yet the chemistry that once defined their connection appears diminished. Brown continues to come open on routes that go unnoticed or unused.
Defenses have also adapted with regular bracket coverage and safety help over the top. Meanwhile, the play-calling has not consistently created access for him through motion, stacks, rub routes, or other high-probability concepts. Whether the issue stems from philosophical rigidity, quarterback tendencies, or a lack of adjustment to defensive pressure, the effect is the same. One of the league’s top receivers is being underutilized. As long as the team continues winning, the organization will downplay the situation. When they eventually need to lean on the passing game in a critical moment, the lack of rhythm may become evident. Until something shifts, Brown will keep contributing through blocking, decoy routes, and leadership while the offense leaves meaningful production untapped.