Context behind AJ Brown only having one target in the Eagles 24-20 victory over the Cowboys

Steven Conrad Jr.
September 5, 2025
Eagles
0 Comments

The Box Score Warriors are out in full force today thanks to the Eagles game last night. AJ Brown had one target on the night. That was it for Top 3 NFL wide receiver. It was bizarre for sure but at the end of the night, the Birds are 1-0 after beating the Cowboys 24-20 in a wild opener down in South Philly.

Really, none of the numbers the Eagles’ put up were “historic” in any sense of the word, however anyone with two eyeballs could identify the elite level of efficiency in which Hurts and company operated.

It was a team effort from starters who didn’t see a lick of action during the preseason. For AJ Brown specifically, he was pretty much sidelined all summer. That of course, won’t stop the media with the headlines today. If you were surprised by that, then you must have just moved to Philly.

So Why didn’t the Eagles target AJ Brown?

Why didn't the Eagles target AJ Brown?

It was fairly clear on film that he wasn't fully healthy.

Most of his routes completely fizzled out after the release. They basically used him as a sacrificial X receiver, often running clearouts they had no intention of throwing.
— Eagles Eric (@EaglesXsandOs) September 5, 2025

Context is everything here, so I’m going to give it you. Again, AJ Brown is coming off a hamstring injury. He had zero first-team reps in the offseason with a brand-new offensive coordinator.

It was never going to be an AJ takeover night against Dallas. He wasn’t in rhythm, and the coaching staff wasn’t about to risk forcing him into situations that could cause setbacks.

AJ Brown’s Leadership on Full Display

What impressed me wasn’t his stat line, it was his body language. AJ Brown had every reason to sulk. A star wideout only seeing the ball once? Most guys throw the helmet, give the cameras a show, and let frustration seep into the huddle.

AJ Brown on the other hand was locked in. He was commanding attention on every snap and was run-blocking, and show-cased great body language. Which, for those body language police out there; he gave you zero ammunition.

The Bigger Picture

At the end of the day, the Eagles, on a very, very chaotic night, got the win. That’s what matters. AJ Brown will get his, nobody with half of a brain would even dare to question that. I would rather focus on watching Brown take a backseat, play the role asked of him, and still bring great energy. That’s really all you can ask for on an Eagles’ offense loaded with weapons.

If your biggest offensive weapon can stay bought in through a quiet night, it tells you everything you need to know about this locker room.

Jalen Hurts passing chart was awesome

Jalen Hurts will be victim number two of the Box Score Warriors. While the numbers certainly don’t jump out of the box score, the efficiency and distribution was fantastic.

I mean, how many years have people been complaining that Jalen Hurts doesn’t throw in the middle of the field or target running backs in the passing game?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Liberty Line (@libertylinephl)

All of that was put to bed last night, and AJ Brown just being on the field, opened all of this up. While this wasn’t the best offensive performance from this unit, it was an efficient and versatile one that had to adjust to interesting conditions.

The Birds travel to Kansas City to take on the Chiefs, and I can assure you all, AJ will certainly be more involved in the passing game. Let this thing marinate Eagles fans.