A.J. Brown Faces Unexpected Challenges in First Half vs. Cowboys

In a thrilling matchup on Thursday night, the Philadelphia Eagles were locked in a tight battle with the Dallas Cowboys, holding a slim 21-20 lead at halftime. However, one notable absence from the Eagles' offensive strategy was star wide receiver A.J. Brown, who failed to receive any targets from quarterback Jalen Hurts during the first two quarters, leaving fantasy football managers taken aback.

Despite finishing the previous season with a whopping 97 targets, Brown found himself overlooked, as Hurts opted to involve five other players in the passing game. This unexpected shift raised eyebrows, particularly for the three-time Pro Bowler, who has consistently been a strong asset for fantasy teams. Last season, he ranked No. 12 among all receivers, averaging 16.7 fantasy points per game in PPR leagues.

Although Brown's 2024 season has been hampered by a hamstring injury, which limited him to just 13 games, he still managed to surpass the 1,000-yard mark for the fifth time in six seasons, showcasing his ability to perform under challenging circumstances. With a stat line of 67 receptions, 1,079 yards, and seven touchdowns, he has proven his worth as a reliable target, being targeted at least four times in every game he played.

Moreover, Brown's impressive performance over the past few seasons—recording at least 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns in his first two years with the Eagles—establishes him as Hurts' foremost target despite having a talented receiving corps that includes players like DeVonta Smith and Jahan Dotson. Nevertheless, their connection has started off slow in the first weeks of their Super Bowl defense, leaving fans curious about how the duo will adjust moving forward.