The Eagles are on a smooth ride with a 4-0 record and a recent hard-fought 31-25 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The win put them among the NFL’s elite, but things are not so smooth in the locker room, as wide receiver A.J. Brown’s post-game actions and words sparked speculation.

A.J. Brown, one of the team’s top offensive weapons, didn’t appear to be fully in sync with the team’s mood after the victory. Instead, he turned to social media and tweeted a cryptic Bible verse that seemed to hint at dissatisfaction. “If you’re not welcomed, not listened to, quietly withdraw. Don’t make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and be on your way,” the 28-year-old tweeted.

However, Jalen tried to ease the situation, saying, “I’m not going to analyze or speculate.” He continued, “I think he’s always wanted to contribute, and that remains. Onward.” When the media tried to ask him about his equation with the WR, he again gave a very subtle response. “It’s good,” Hurts stated, before adding: “We share a great passion for this game and we’re focused on this week.”

A.J. Brown has caught just 14 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown this year. Despite all his team-leading nine attempts in Tampa Bay, he caught just two passes for seven yards and came up empty on six second-half targets from Jalen Hurts. For the third consecutive game, Brown has finished under 30 yards.

Head coach Nick Sirianni also spoke up, ensuring that he addressed it based on his knowledge. Sirianni, who worked closely with both players in developing one of the NFL’s most prolific passing offenses, scoffed at the idea that Brown’s Twitter tweet was a distraction.

“Obviously, A.J. is very important to this football team. I know he wants to contribute and do the things he’s capable of doing. He wants to contribute into these wins, and he’s had a couple games where he hasn’t been able to for different reasons. I question nothing about his desire to play great football, his desire of being a good teammate, his desire to be here,” the coach answered, eradicating any implication of behind-the-scenes tension. Even the man himself stepped up and clarified the controversial message.

Eagles WR A.J. Brown himself addressed his cryptic post

After a few days, A.J. Brown himself came forward to explain his motivation and set aside the mounting rumor. The receiver conceded that he allowed his temper to get the best of him. “First off, I want to start off by saying, obviously, Sunday after the game I let my frustrations boil over. I didn’t speak to the media. I had a chance to correct my frustrations, and I continued to let it boil over, and that’s on me. I take full accountability on that.”

Brown then again confirmed that his message was never sent to someone in the building. ”My message on Twitter was not directed at anyone in the building — not my coaches, not my quarterback, not my GM, nobody….I have open communication with all of my coaches and with my quarterback, as well.”

He confirmed that his rapport with Hurts is the same and insisted he and the coaches are on the same page. “Me and my coaches, KP and Nick, we discuss weekly about trying to get on the same page. And Jalen and I are always in constant communication.”

The wide receiver also admitted that frustration is unavoidable when playing on a team with championship aspirations. By acknowledging that high expectations sometimes trick people into emotional reactions, Brown re-contextualized his actions as part of the competitive culture and not as evidence of division.

A.J. Brown’s rant was justified because this is not the first time he has complained about his unhappiness with where he is positioned in the offense. He is a three-time second-team All-Pro in his first three years in Philadelphia and has shown his worth as one of the most consistent receivers in the game.

Yet with each outburst of frustration into public forums, rumors of his final destination grow louder. That’s a cycle neither the Eagles nor A.J. Brown would care to repeat as they seek to pursue yet another Super Bowl quest. After all, Hurts and Brown are a package deal, and collectively their focus is squarely on the problems in front of them.