Sirianni downplays spat with Brown: 'I love him'

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni played down his sideline exchange with A.J. Brown during Sunday's 23-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, describing it as just a part of football.

"I love A.J. and I think he knows how I feel about him. I have a special relationship with him," Sirianni said postgame. "We've probably went through every emotion you can possibly have together. We've laughed together, we've cried together, we've yelled at each other. We're both emotional."

Cameras caught Sirianni and Brown jawing at each other in what appeared to be a heated argument. However, the Eagles coach said he was only trying to tell his receiver to get off the field to avoid a penalty being called.

"I was trying to get him off the field because we were about to punt and that was really it," Sirianni said.

He added: "That happens in this game but I love him."

Brown's frustration with the Eagles' offense was one of the team's biggest storylines this season. The three-time Pro Bowl wideout was targeted seven times Sunday but could only catch three passes for 25 yards.

Philadelphia finished the season ranked 19th in points scored and 24th in yardage.