Eagles’ Brown and Commanders’ McLaurin look to bounce back after rocky starts
Both A.J. Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles and Terry McLaurin of the Washington Commanders have faced unusual challenges this offseason. As two of the premier wide receivers in the NFC East, their struggles early in the season have not gone unnoticed. With subpar statistics defining their starts, both players find themselves in the spotlight, hoping for a turnaround.
A.J. Brown’s Quiet Start
For Brown, the start of the season has been frustrating. The talented receiver, who has consistently surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in each of his three seasons with the Eagles, is yet to find his rhythm. In previous years, he has even eclipsed the 1,400-yard mark twice, averaging an impressive 15.6 yards per reception throughout his career. However, this year, that number has plummeted to just 5.8 yards.
The Eagles’ passing game is still adjusting under new offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo, who favors a run-heavy approach. This shift has limited Brown’s opportunities on the field. Adding to the challenges, he missed a significant portion of the summer due to a hamstring injury. Yet, optimism remains. If Brown can maintain his health, he is expected to return to form and begin contributing more significantly to the Eagles’ offense.
Terry McLaurin’s Path to Recovery
On the other side, McLaurin’s situation paints a similar picture. The Commanders’ star has recorded over 1,000 receiving yards for five consecutive seasons, but a slow start was anticipated after he missed all of training camp and other key practices due to a holdout. Despite these setbacks, his target share remains comparable to last season, averaging around 6.88 targets in 2024, slightly up from 6.5 in 2023.
Both players have the potential to turn their seasons around, and analysts in Philadelphia and Washington are hopeful. Jalen Hurts’ throwing efficiency and volume have dipped, yet with Brown’s proven capabilities and McLaurin’s consistent track record, there is a belief that both wideouts will soon find their footing.
As the Eagles and Commanders prepare for their next clash, the anticipation builds. Will Brown and McLaurin rise to the occasion and reclaim their places as dominant forces in the NFC East? Time will tell, but the promise of resurgence is certainly on the horizon.
