Giants' Daboll Says Eagles' A.J. Brown Has Been 'Open A Lot' Amid Usage Criticism

There has been considerable criticism of A.J. Brown's limited usage by the Philadelphia Eagles so far this season, and other coaches are starting to take notice.

Ahead of their matchup this week, New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll made an observation about the Eagles' offensive approach.

"You watch the tape … AJ (Brown) is open a lot," Daboll told reporters.

Brown has recorded 1,000 or more receiving yards in each of the last three seasons and in all but one of his six NFL campaigns. This year, he's nowhere on pace to reach that number as he has just 194 yards and a touchdown on 19 receptions through five games. He ranks 54th in the NFL in receptions and 62nd in receiving yards.

Though he leads the team in targets (36), he's on pace to finish with more than 30 fewer than he had during his last full season in 2023.

Brown has been open about his frustration surrounding his lack of usage, though he said it's more about helping the team succeed than having individual success.

"I think it's fair to want the ball to get us going," Brown said last week. "...I don't think it's a bad thing wanting the ball. It's not just for targets or anything, to put numbers up. I see that we're struggling, and I'm a guy that wants the ball in those times. When we can't find a way, give it to me. When the game's on the line, give the ball to me. I want that. I want that pressure, I put it on myself and I work hard for it."

In Sunday's loss to the Denver Broncos, Brown had eight targets, bringing in five receptions for 43 yards.

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Though Brown's lack of usage has been notable, the Eagles' offense as a whole has struggled this year. They rank 14th in the NFL in points per game (25), 30th in rushing yards per game (261.6) and 31st in passing yards per game (161.8).

The offensive struggles could be a result of growing pains under new offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo or a lack of connection between Brown and quarterback Jalen Hurts. Regardless, Philadelphia will try to figure things out soon as it looks to make another Super Bowl run.

Luckily for the Eagles, their defense has performed well and has managed to lead them to a 4-1 start.