A.J. Brown declines to speak to media after Eagles' loss to Cardinals

The Philadelphia Eagles were shocked on Sunday by the Arizona Cardinals, so much so that star wide receiver A.J. Brown declined to speak to the media after the game. Brown told reporters, “There’s nothing to say,” as he packed up his locker room. The All-Pro wideout ensured the media that his frustrations weren’t directed at them, but instead at the situation.

Philadelphia had everything to play for on Sunday but still fell 35-31. Now, the NFC East title is one game away from going to the Dallas Cowboys, along with first-round hosting privileges. If the Eagles beat the Giants and the Cowboys lose to the Washington Commanders in Week 18, then the NFC East title would stay with Philly.

AJ Brown declines to talk. “There’s nothing to say.” pic.twitter.com/1TZOB7fhxO

— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) December 31, 2023

Brown ended the game with four catches on five targets for 53 yards. He led the team in receiving although it was veteran Julio Jones who notched two touchdown catches on the day.

The Eagles defense gave up 449 yards of offense in the loss. Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray finished 25-of-31 for 232 yards, overcoming a 99-yard pick-six by Sydney Brown in the first half. Running back James Conner also rushed for 128 yards on 26 carries.

“We’ve got to get things fixed,” coach Nick Sirianni said post-game. “And we’ve got to get them fixed fast.”

Despite the disappointing loss, and the three other losses last month, the Eagles are still in a better position than half of the league, which Sirianni reminded the media of on Sunday.

“We’re in the playoffs. Lot of teams want to be in the playoffs,” Sirianni said. “We can still do some things here.”

Eagles WR DeVonta Smith injured in loss to Arizona

After Sunday’s loss to the Arizona Cardinals, things got even worse for the Eagles. Star wide receiver DeVonta Smith was spotted with crutches and was in a walking boot when he left the stadium.

He’s been one of the more dominant receivers in the National Football League, hauling in over 1,000 receiving yards in back-to-back seasons. Smith is a massive piece of the Eagles’ offensive attack, and his injury certainly clouds their chances to make a deep run in the playoffs.

Last year in Philly’s run to the Super Bowl, the former Alabama star delivered when his team needed him the most–in Super Bowl LVII against Kansas City. He hauled in seven catches for 100 yards in the Eagles’ 38-35 loss to the Chiefs.

According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Smith suffered a “mild” ankle sprain on Sunday. He will undergo further testing on Monday.