The Philadelphia Eagles won a shaky game offensively against the Green Bay Packers. One of the biggest issues in the game was the passing game. After getting off to a fast start, there was a stretch where Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts struggled to complete a pass. Despite having three takeaways in the first half the Eagles only held onto a 10-point lead over their opponent. They eventually leveled out in the second half and did just enough to take the victory. However, one of the big stories of the game had basically nothing to do with it. Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown is in media headlines once again for something that ultimately didn’t seem to be that big of an issue. However, the Eagles wide receiver needs to be more careful going forward about not taking focus away from the team’s ultimate goal.
The Headlines On The Eagles Wide Receiver
According to Fox News Ryan Gaydos, Brown was caught on the sidelines reading a book. The viral fourth quarter moment was made a spectacle of by the broadcasting crew during the game.
“I haven’t seen too many people read books,” NFL legend Tom Brady said. “I have seen a quarterback eat a hot dog.”
The report also says that the crew was able to catch the title of the book, “Inner Excellence: Train Your Mind For Extraordinary Performance and the Best Possible Life.”
Immediately, questions were asked about the intentions of this action. Was it a sign of frustration for only having one catch for 10 yards as ESPN pointed out? Not based on Brown’s comments. Brown claims that he brings the book with him to every game and has highlighted passages that bring him peace of mind.
In a somewhat humorous turn of events, the book has gone on to reach number one bestseller status on Amazon.
The Takeaway
If Brown were really doing this as a sign of discontent towards the approach of the offense, he would have been more direct about it. After narrowly beating the Carolina Panthers, Brown blatantly expressed discontent. When he is unhappy about the state of the team he doesn’t mince words. So nothing from his post-game comments indicates discontent.
However, even with that being said, he needs to be more careful with how he conducts himself publicly. Due to Brown being so open about the state of the team when he is unhappy, the media actively hunts for any sign of discontent and turns it into days of news. The ultimate goal right now is trying to win a Superbowl and right now Brown, and other members of the team like his quarterback, can’t afford to spend time answering questions about a book.
If reading gives Brown juice during games, then continue to lean into what works. However, maybe do it more privately. Maybe relegate it to the locker room or just in areas where a camera isn’t ready to capture his every move.
When Brown isn’t performing to his standards statistically, the media is going to look for reasons to spin turmoil between Brown and the organization.
Main Image: Bill Streicher – USA Today Sports
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