After getting the best of the competition throughout the first month of the 2025 NFL season, the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles lost their first game of their title defense in Week 5 to the Denver Broncos.
Every single game the Eagles have played this season has been close, and Sunday’s game at Lincoln Financial Field was no different, with Bo Nix and company pulling out the four-point win on the road.
However, the outcome of this game, and the Eagles’ record, would’ve been likely much different had stars Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown been on the same page on a play that could’ve resulted in an easy touchdown for Philadelphia.
A.J. Brown’s Telling Response to Criticism
During the first three quarters of Week 5’s matchup with the Broncos, the Eagles were in complete control, taking a 17-3 lead into the fourth quarter, with the consensus being that Philadelphia was well on its way to a fifth straight win to start the season.
Unfortunately, the fourth quarter was when Sean Payton’s squad began to turn it on, scoring 18 points in the quarter, which proved to be the difference in the game.
After the game, during media availability at his locker, Brown was asked about a play in which it looked like there would’ve been a game-changing touchdown between him and Hurts. Still, he appeared to let up early, resulting in the football soaring over his head.
“From my point of view, it was just missed,” Brown said of the missed opportunity for a touchdown. “It’s not that I didn’t think the ball was coming. When I looked up, I didn’t see the ball. I looked back, I didn’t see the ball, and then the ball was thrown. Like I said, we just missed.”
Brown was also asked if he and Hurts talked about the missed opportunity, giving a one-word response.
“No,” Brown said.
The veteran wide receiver was also asked if they’ll look back on the play as a moment that could’ve changed the game.
“Yeah, but there’s so much more that you can look at and determine what we didn’t do well at,” Brown said.
Even though it wasn’t said aloud, Brown seemed frustrated, as he hadn’t exactly been involved in the offense like he’d have wanted to be, considering he’s one of the best wide receivers in the league coming off a Super Bowl title.
Missed Eagles’ Touchdown Opportunity on A.J. Brown?
Despite what Brown says publicly, the footage of the play in which he appears to let up on his run for the football seems fairly telling, which was clipped by Victor Williams of USA Today.
This isn’t a great look for Brown, as it seems he stopped running on a play in which he could’ve caught the pass, scored, and potentially won the game for the Eagles.
During this Week 5 loss to the Broncos, Brown caught five passes for 43 yards.
Before the team’s first loss of the season, Brown had only caught 14 passes for 151 yards and one touchdown, which is not the kind of numbers a star wide receiver wants on a legitimate Super Bowl title contender.
Carson Wentz Makes His Stance Clear: “I’m Focused on the Present, J.J. Will Be the Future of the Team!”
In a bold statement following his standout performance in the Minnesota Vikings’ 21–17 win over the Cleveland Browns, quarterback Carson Wentz made it clear that his focus is solely on the here and now. While the potential return of rookie J.J. McCarthy looms large, Wentz isn’t looking ahead to the future just yet. Instead, he’s making the most of the opportunity in front of him, leading the team with unwavering commitment.
“I don’t care about what happens down the road. Right now, I’m enjoying every moment and doing everything I can to help the team win,” Wentz said in an interview after the game. “J.J. is a great talent and will be a key part of this team when he returns, but right now, I’m focused on doing the best I can today.”
Wentz’s words highlight his leadership mentality, where staying grounded in the present is crucial for both individual and team success. The veteran quarterback’s performance in the win against the Browns proved his capability to take control of a game when needed, especially after stepping in for the injured McCarthy. Wentz showed confidence and poise, orchestrating a game-winning drive with a key touchdown pass to wide receiver Jordan Addison.
Despite McCarthy’s imminent return from injury, Wentz made it clear that he isn’t worried about what will happen when the rookie is back on the field. He understands that McCarthy’s potential is undeniable, but his own role at the moment is to give his best, help the Vikings stay competitive, and continue to build chemistry with the team.
“I’m focused on what I can control right now,” Wentz added. “J.J. will get his chance when he’s ready, but for now, I’m doing everything I can to keep this team moving forward.”
Wentz’s determination and unwavering focus on the current moment are exactly what the Vikings need as they continue to push for playoff contention. His leadership in the locker room and on the field has shown that he’s ready to step up and lead, regardless of the competition for the starting quarterback role. The team’s success relies on players like Wentz staying focused and committed, while understanding that the future of the team is in good hands with McCarthy waiting in the wings.
As the Vikings prepare for their next set of games, including a tough matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, Wentz’s clarity on his mindset gives the team the steady hand it needs to stay focused on the task at hand. No matter what happens with McCarthy’s return, Wentz is determined to lead the team to victory today.
