Eagles' Brown downplays frustration: I want the ball, but I'm not a 'diva'
Philadelphia Eagles star A.J. Brown says he's far from being a diva receiver after appearing frustrated near the end of last Saturday's win over the New York Giants.
"I'm never the receiver to go on the sideline or try to cause problems on the sideline. I'm not that guy," Brown said Wednesday, according to ESPN's Tim McManus. "I think that's what you could describe as a diva, but I'm not that person.
He continued: "I'm a guy who goes up and talks to the quarterback and talk to the (offensive coordinator) and do it that way."
The Eagles relied heavily on the run game in their divisional-round win over the Giants, leaving Brown to catch just three passes for 22 yards. TV cameras caught head coach Nick Sirianni addressing Brown late in the game.
Nick Sirianni says AJ Brown was frustrated towards the end of Saturday’s game and was going through something with his body. Nick says AJ was thrilled the Eagles won and should be ready for Sunday pic.twitter.com/5qdDJYiYcD
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) January 23, 2023
However, Brown said wanting the football has more to do with his belief that he can produce a big play at any moment.
"They throw the ball to me 100 times, I'm going to want it 101 times," Brown added. "Me personally, I just feel like I can change the game at any moment. Getting the ball often keeps you going, keeps you in a rhythm. It definitely puts you in a zone, you're locked in. Of course I want the ball."
Sirianni defended his star receiver earlier this week, telling reporters that "part of the reason why receivers are good is because they want and crave the football."
Brown, who's dealing with an undisclosed injury, said he'll be "good to go" for Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers.