The Philadelphia Eagles are 4-0, but they fought for it. One of their biggest stars, wide receiver A.J. Brown, has been infuriated with the way the offense is run. That frustration boiled over into an inexplicable social media post. But while Brown struggles with accountability, Jason Kelce just fueled the flames by offering to absorb a defensive challenge that could potentially make Brown’s life even more difficult.

As posted by SportsRadio94WIP, Kelce talked about the possibility that Denver Broncos superstar cornerback Patrick Surtain II could “shadow” Brown in their next game. “I hope they do that,” said Kelce bluntly.

He continued, ”If you look at the Eagles vs. man coverage and Jalen Hurts, they have just annihilated teams…While that might hinder A.J.’s production, as an offense and as a team, bring the man [defense] on baby. You put man against our team and the players that we have and the quarterback, and what he brings to the table, I feel very confident in the Eagles having success against that.”

Kelce’s statement doubles as both confidence in quarterback Jalen Hurts and a subtle acknowledgment of Brown’s individual struggles. Surtain, widely regarded as one of the NFL’s best young cornerbacks, has already proved he can erase elite receivers. Against Cincinnati’s Ja’Marr Chase on Monday night, Surtain allowed just one reception for eight yards in 13 coverage snaps, including no catches at all in 10 man-to-man situations.

According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Surtain has faced 54 career routes by Chase and permitted four catches for 35 yards. It speaks well regarding just how much work Brown’s will be on Sunday.

However, Kelce is not worried. His “bring the man defense on” comment is a reference to the Eagles’ overall identity: even when one superstar is held in check, the system, depth, and quarterback play will overwhelm.

Philadelphia has not been perfect — the offense has ebbed and flowed at times, the defense has given up runs of momentum, and they’ve had to count on late-game turnarounds. But at 4-0, they’re unbeaten, which is a scary thought considering the fact that they haven’t played well.

Against the Rams, the team struggled early in the game, whereas against the Buccaneers, they faced issues toward the end. However, they did manage to seal the win. They may not look flawless, but their recent past suggests that they have learned to find a way to win.

A.J. Brown takes the blame despite growing irritations

While Kelce is demanding stronger coverage that will be an added burden for Brown, the receiver himself is taking blame for how he’s handled recent irritations. After Philadelphia’s win over the Buccaneers, Brown didn’t speak to reporters and instead posted a cryptic Bible verse on social media: Mark 6:11.

“If you’re not welcomed, not listened to, quietly withdraw. Don’t make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and be on your way.” The posting raised questions about whether Brown was unhappy about the Eagles or his role.

Brown clarified this week. “This is home,” he said. “Unfortunately, I did it to myself. I won’t say ‘unfortunately.’ I did it to myself. I love it here.” Brown admitted that he allowed himself to be overcome by his emotions.

He continued, ”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. My message on Twitter wasn’t directed at anyone in the building. And of course, not my quarterback, my GM, nobody.”

The numbers speak for themselves. Brown has 14 receptions for 151 yards and a touchdown in four contests, 109 of those in one contest against the Rams. Against the Buccaneers, he caught only two throws out of nine for seven yards. For a player as gifted as he is, it’s an uncharacteristically quiet start.

Philadelphia’s offense overall has failed to meet expectations. They are 30th in overall offense, gaining a mere 251.5 yards per game, the lowest in history for a 4-0 team since the 1941 New York Giants. They’ve been out-gained in every game this season. The passing game itself has been subpar, with Hurts ranking near the league low in yards per attempt and explosive plays.

For all the early disillusionment, Brown isn’t lacking in confidence for the future with the Eagles. “It is tough because you want to help contribute to the win,” he explained. “Not getting too many targets to contribute, it’s tough. But we’re professionals and we’re going to try to make the most of when our number is called.”

For Brown, the brighter lights are in front of him. Sunday’s matchup with Patrick Surtain II will be a defining test for him. If the Eagles thrive even with Surtain shadowing their top receiver, it will validate Kelce’s confidence that this offense can beat man coverage no matter who lines up across from them.