The Philadelphia Eagles might have secured a 22-16 win against the Carolina Panthers in Week 14, but the performance was far from spectacular.
Jalen Hurts’ modest 108-yard passing performance, albeit with two touchdowns, sparked immediate scrutiny.
A.J. Brown didn’t hold back, calling out the passing game’s shortcomings in a postgame critique that reverberated through the team all week.
Enter former NFL quarterback Alex Smith, who stepped into the brewing controversy with a nuanced perspective that caught plenty of attention.
While many, including Eagles defensive lineman Brandon Graham, viewed Brown’s comments as a potential shot at Hurts, Smith saw things differently.
“[Brown] got asked a question on what they needed to work on postgame, and he answered it honestly and he answered it correctly — passing game. The passing game was abysmal, and I don’t think this is about a prima donna receiver that’s upset about not getting the football,” Smith emphasized on Sunday NFL Countdown.
Alex Smith comes to the defense of AJ Brown:
"He got asked a question on what they needed to work on postgame, and he answered it honestly and correctly — passing game. The passing game was abysmal, and I don't think this is about a prima donna receiver…" pic.twitter.com/Ww6peU2fun
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 15, 2024
Smith’s analysis went deeper, pointing out specific moments where Hurts missed crucial opportunities.
He further broke down plays that highlighted the quarterback’s hesitation.
“Time and time again, AJ Brown was open in this game, he is the primary receiver in this offense, he had a one-on-one and they didn’t get the ball to him,” Smith noted.
The criticism was pointed and personal.
Smith accused Hurts of being overly cautious, describing his playing style as methodical and risk-averse.
He called some of Hurts’ missed connections “downright inexcusable,” stressing the importance of trusting reads and making decisive throws.
This isn’t just about one game or one receiver’s frustration.
Smith’s breakdown suggests a more systemic issue with the Eagles’ offensive approach.
His candid assessment implies that the team’s playoff hopes could be in jeopardy if Hurts doesn’t adapt and become more aggressive.
NEXT: Eagles Player Apologized To Team For Stirring Up Drama
