Kathryn Riley/Getty Images
The public spat between Philadelphia Eagles stars Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown conjured up memories of another famous quarterback-receiver dispute, but it sounds like the team isn’t concerned about things getting worse.
John Clark of NBC Sports Philadelphia reported that the “few people” he spoke to with the Eagles about the apparent conflict between Hurts and Brown “believe it is not the big deal it is being made out to be” and “it is not a [Donovan McNabb-Terrell Owens] situation.”
It appeared that tensions had reached a boiling point after Hurts was limited to 108 passing yards in Sunday’s 22-16 win over the Carolina Panthers. When asked after the game what the team needs to improve on, Brown, who was seen slamming his helmet to the ground in frustration at one point during the game, simply answered, “Passing.”
Brown’s response prompted a wave of speculation that his relationship with Hurts had deteriorated. Eagles edge rusher Brandon Graham didn’t help matters when he declared on his show that the two of them “were friends before this, but things have changed.”
Graham ultimately retracted his statement and apologized for commenting on something he wasn’t fully informed about, but that didn’t stop the questions about whether Hurts and Brown were headed toward a divorce the same way McNabb and Owens did after their rocky relationship came to an end in just two years. McNabb and Owens both gave their thoughts on the matter on Tuesday:
Terrell Owens @terrellowens
Now this is interesting is coming from you. Not how I interpreted it but funny thing is, I agree with you on the idea of if you have issue with someone that you go to them and not the media but here’s the thing I ‘never’ had an issue with you but it’s known that you had an issue… https://t.co/wnB0ys1z52
However, Clark added that Brown’s comments didn’t create strife within the Eagles and instead could galvanize the team.
“Many Eagles players were not happy with the passing attack on Sunday and agree with AJ that the passing game needs to improve. Jalen even said that. One person told me he believes this will make the team closer,” Clark stated.
Despite the appearance of internal turmoil, the Eagles are riding a wave of success and will be seeking their 10th straight win when they face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.
