The Philadelphia Eagles moved to 7-1 on Sunday with a 38-31 hard-fought victory over the Washington Commanders. The Eagles offense hasn’t been the juggernaut in 2023 that it was in 2022, but 38 points is 38 points. Quarterback Jalen Hurts battled through a knee injury to throw four TD passes. Once again, A.J. Brown was Hurts’ favorite target.
Brown has now caught 125+ yards in six straight games, which has never been done before. Brown’s connection with Hurts on and off the field has been the catalyst for the Birds fighting through early-season struggles. The Birds’ top receiver has been the one constant on offense and has stepped up in a big way every time the Eagles have needed a play.
Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill boldly predicted he would eclipse 2,000 yards receiving, but Brown could join him in the exclusive company, as the Eagles’ alpha receiver is on pace to eclipse that very mark. Brown is doing things they have never seen in Philadelphia franchise history, and football analysts and fans are beginning to take notice.
Is A.J. Brown the NFL MVP Favorite?
Traditionally, the NFL MVP honor is reserved for a QB. The last time a non-QB won the league’s Most Valuable Player was in 2012 when Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson won the prestigious award. QB is the most difficult position in the NFL to play, so it’s not surprising that the signal callers take home the hardware.
MORE: NFL Offense Rankings
But 2023 could be different, with many offenses faltering around the league and some of the lowest scoring we have seen across the NFL in quite some time. Let’s take a look at the top five candidates:
Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
We have been waiting for the Baltimore Ravens’ offense to take off, and it finally did last week. If last week’s performances were a precursor of things to come, the former NFL MVP could be in the running again.
Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Miami Dolphins
Some luster has fallen off Tua Tagovailoa’s MVP candidacy lately, but he is still the PG of the league’s best offense. If Miami continues to explode offensively every week, Tagovailoa will remain in the MVP conversation all season.
Tyreek Hill, WR, Miami Dolphins
Tagovailoa’s teammate and the Phins’ alpha receiver receive the nod over his QB. Hill has been dominant in 2023 and remains the scariest offensive weapon in the NFL.
A.J. Brown, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles have shaken off a rocky start to the season under new offensive coordinator Brian Johnson, but Brown has saved the Eagles’ bacon on more than one occasion. Philadelphia currently holds the league’s best record in large part due to Brown’s prolific exploits.
Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
For now, the reigning league MVP gets the benefit of the doubt. Someone is going to have to knock him off to claim the prize. Brown may be on the doorstep, but for now, the king still reigns.
Social Media Reacts to Brown’s Impressive Outing
Many are calling for Brown’s MVP candidacy. After surpassing Calvin Johnson for the most consecutive games with 125+ yards, Brown has started to see whispers of a potential MVP.
Legend: consecutive games with 125+ yards in NFL history
1) AJ Brown: 6
2) Calvin Johnson: 5AJ Brown in 8 games:
– 60 catches
– 939 yards
– 5 TDs
– Key piece to 7-1 recordMVP vote worthy so far.#Eagles pic.twitter.com/h3Mjd2m7MT
— Thomas R. Petersen (@thomasrp93) October 29, 2023
Not only is what Brown has done impressive, but it is how he has done it. The Eagles WR has been padding his stats while also making highlight reel plays.
Senior NFL Reporter Albert Breer admitted that it might be tough for a WR to win the MVP, but he also highlighted how pivotal Brown has been for the Eagles. “Tough to give a receiver MVP consideration. But A.J. Brown might deserve some. Legit changing the Eagles’ fortunes week-to-week.”
Breer received a bit of pushback on social media when mentioning Brown and the MVP award. Some followers brought up another WR who has put up unbelievable numbers this season, Tyreek Hill.
Tyreek Hill is the MVP receiver by far
— Jake (@jakethorndike) October 29, 2023
Another user echoed the Hill sentiment: “What are you talking about? People have been talking about Tyreek in the MVP conversation for weeks…”
How Many WRs Have Won the NFL MVP Award?
Brown faces an uphill battle and history as no receivers have EVER won the NFL MVP. Not Jerry Rice. Not Randy Moss. Could 2023 end the historic drought?
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