With the stakes ramping up as the season winds down by the week, tensions are understandably going to be at heights with the Conference Championships coming about. It was on full display as the Philadelphia Eagles took center stage against the pesky Washington Commanders in the 2024 NFC Championship.
Late in the first half, the action threatened to spill over as the Eagles went in for their third touchdown. It was wide receiver A.J. Brown, who’s been the talk of the entire playoffs, matching up against career-irritant Marshon Lattimore.
A.J. Brown and Marshon Lattimore Come to Blows in NFC Championship Game
Once it was clear that the Commanders had something special in their midst, shoring up the defense became a priority — that is where the trade for the New Orleans Saints cornerback materialized.
Even though he was barely available in the regular season due to injury, his coverage became invaluable as Washington tallied off two postseason victories on the road. During the NFC Championship Game, his assignment constantly shifted before Brown got the better of Lattimore just before the two-minute warning.
A 31-yard catch on a 4th-and-5 gave Philadelphia new hope, and they extended their drive. Subsequently, on a 1st-and-goal from the one-yard line, the Eagles opted for their patented Tush Push to add to their cushion.
The play was successful, but the focus of the camera crew became the Brown-Lattimore pairing. Right next to the scrum, the two squared off with words and shoves aplenty. In the scuffle, Lattimore’s helmet came off and Brown wasn’t far behind.
MARSHON LATTIMORE AND AJ BROWN GETTING INTO IT AFTER THE EAGLES TOUCHDOWN pic.twitter.com/dV5iiYdA1z
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) January 26, 2025
However, the officials placed the blame squarely on the cornerback, assessing a personal foul on him. As a result, the Eagles tried a two-point conversion from the two-yard line, although it proved unsuccessful.
So far, it has been a pretty one-sided affair, with the Eagles punching in their shot in quick succession twice already. Leading four touchdown drives in the first half, Philadelphia has jumped out to a 27-15 lead at the half.
However, for fans in Pennsylvania, the bigger story might be Brown’s game. After his sideline antics with the book “Inner Excellence” became the talk of the town, the wide receiver needed to respond with a strong outing.
In the Divisional Round against the Los Angeles Rams, he was underwhelming, to say the least, notching just 14 yards on seven targets. In this game, however, he’s already up to 61 yards on just four catches, including a touchdown, which is more than his combined effort through the rest of the playoffs.