The Philadelphia Eagles are 4-0, but you wouldn't know it based on their play so far.
Despite their undefeated record, Philadelphia has struggled at times through the first month of the season, winning four one-possession games that all could've swung the other way if the ball bounced differently. Jalen Hurts has carried the team thus far, but the Eagles' passing attack is what continues to draw criticism.
On the latest episode of the "New Heights" podcast, Jason Kelce wasn't quick to sound the alarms, highlighting the record and quality of teams Philadelphia have beaten thus far.
“Probably the most scrutinized 4-0 team I’ve potentially ever seen,” Kelce said, something Travis Kelce jokingly disagreed with.
The former Eagles offensive lineman also mentioned A.J. Brown's struggles in the aftermath of the receiver's cryptic post on social media following Week 4.
“I think he should be upset that he’s not being utilized in this offense,” Kelce said, adding that it’s not a selfish move for Brown to be unhappy. “Everybody should be upset that A.J.’s not getting the ball. And I guarantee they are. They’re trying to force it to him. It needs to be done in a better way.”
Brown has been held to under 10 receiving yards in two of the team's four games, eclipsing the 100-yard mark only once.
Pressure has been mounting to get Brown more involved, but Kelce said that isn't so easy.
"I don't think it's as simple as just throw the ball to A.J. Brown more," Kelce said. "It involves everybody. A.J. Brown can do better. Jalen Hurts, I'm sure, can the ball to him more in other situations. And the coaches can do a better job of trying really hard to make this player happy and make him be a weapon. We shouldn't be just getting him ball to make him happy. We should be getting him the ball because he's a (expletive) baller."
Kelce added that the best version of the Eagles requires getting Brown more involved. He didn't stop at Brown, however, saying that the offense needs to be better as a whole.
The brothers agreed that receiver is a difficult position to play, especially since success is reliant on a bunch of factors out of the player's control. Despite that, they said that Brown's decision to take the issue to social media puts an added emphasis on this next game.
"Him tweeting that out, it puts some more added pressure now on the Eagles coaching staff and on Jalen to make sure he gets touches in the next game," Kelce said.
Brown is in the midst of a career-worst season, averaging just 37.8 yards per game. The receiver has averaged at least 80 yards per game through his first three seasons with the Eagles.
While frustration can sometimes lead to a parting of ways, that doesn't seem to be a possibility for Brown in the immediate future. He remains under contract with the team through the 2029 season and continues to possess a key role in the offense.
In other words, the Eagles will have figure out a way to fly together going forward.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jason Kelce says on New Heights podcast that A.J. Brown should be upset over Eagles usage
Reporting by Nick Brinkerhoff, USA TODAY / USA TODAY
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect