Coach’s Controversial Move Leaves A.J. Brown Fuming – Inside the Locker Room Drama

The Philadelphia Eagles have dropped four of their last five games and are in a downward spiral. After starting 10-1, their only chance to win the NFC East is if the humble Washington Commanders defeat or draw with the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.

Wide receiver A.J. Brown is the Philadelphia player who has displayed the most overt annoyance during this slump. Brown was mentioned as the MVP candidate during the first half of the 2023 campaign after recording at least 127 receiving yards in six consecutive games. He has only had one 100-yard game since Week 9, though, and in the last three games, he has only averaged 63 yards.

Following the horrifying 35-31 loss to Arizona, which was Philadelphia’s most recent setback, there were whispers circulating that Brown was not happy with both offensive coordinator Brian Johnson and head coach Nick Sirianni. On Wednesday, Brown refuted that:

People claim that Nick and I are at odds. “I’m not angry with Nick, I’m not angry with anyone,” he declared. We get along really well. Nick is riding with us. Brian is riding with us. All we need to do is step outside and play ball.”

Brown’s anger would have been misplaced if he had a rivalry with Johnson and Sirianni. During a three-game losing streak in December, the Eagles were only able to score 49 points; however, they have scored 64 points in their previous two games. It looks like the offensive is starting to get up again.

But Brown has every right to be angry at Matt Patricia, the defensive playcaller, who is another coach.

Play calling responsibilities were handed to Patricia prior to Week 15 after defensive coordinator Sean Desai was demoted. During his three games in charge of the defense, the Eagles gave up a winning drive to Seattle’s backup quarterback Drew Lock, found it difficult to contain Tyrod Taylor of the New York Giants, and gave up 29 points in the second half to the struggling Cardinals (4-12).

In Week 17, the Eagles led the Cardinals 21–6 at the half, went scoreless in the third, and then scored 10 points in the fourth. It is normal for the defense to shut down an opponent for the remainder of the game if an offense scores 31 points, 21 of which come in the first half.

Yes, but this is a defensive by Patricia that could blow up at any moment.