Stars in the Shadows: Underutilized Eagles in Week One
The first Thursday Night Football game of the season leaves Philadelphia fans hungry for more following a big win over the Dallas Cowboys. Beyond the excitement, many fans are wondering why their favorite wide receivers didn’t see much action. DeVonta Smith and AJ Brown are two of Philly’s most beloved receivers to watch. Between the two of them, the pair had four receptions for a total of 24 yards, a shockingly low number to kick off the 2025 campaign. Despite limited targets in Week One, the Eagles’ wide receivers are extremely talented, and their presence will be critical going forward to sustain the offensive success of the 2024 season.
From the opening drive, it was apparent that Dallas’ defensive strategy prioritized shutting down Brown and Smith. The Cowboys’ secondary limited passing options to stop Jalen Hurts from connecting with his receivers. Outside of a 51-yard catch by Jahan Dotson, none of Hurts’ passes traveled more than 10 yards in the air, which made it difficult for Brown and Smith to have a more active role in the Week One win. Even through Dallas’ containment, DeVonta Smith caught all three of his targets for a total of only 16 yards, but he proved the reliability of his hands when Hurts needed an outlet.
AJ Brown, on the other hand, finished the game with just one eight-yard catch, but it was crucial and timely. The connection came late in the fourth quarter and set Philly up for a third-and-three situation. Brown managed to stay in bounds, which helped drain the clock and led to a conversion on the next play. Though it was a small moment, it secured the win, showing Brown’s ability to come in clutch when the team needed him. Overall, both Smith and Brown showed selflessness on opening night, and their impact will only grow as the season unfolds.
Even for a game where their stat sheet seems underwhelming, the value Brown and Smith bring to Philly’s offense is unquestionable. Since he arrived in Philadelphia, Brown has been one of the NFL’s most dominant receivers, regularly demanding double coverage. He has also shown his strength in contested catches, which create momentum and set the tone in many Eagles games. Smith complements this with his speed, balance, and precision as a route-runner, which help him exploit opportunities against single coverage. In the 2024 regular season, the duo had a combined 1,912 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. In their Super Bowl-winning postseason, the pair put up 353 yards and 3 touchdowns. The threat posed by these receivers forced defensive coordinators to build game plans around containing the two. Their presence on the field not only makes the Eagles stronger and more dynamic, but it forces everyone around them to work harder and play better.
The inactivity of these stars in Week One should not be seen as a failure on their part, but rather as proof of the Eagles’ versatility and roster depth. Bigger and better games are inevitable for Smith and Brown—their production will only increase as matchups shift throughout their difficult schedule. Hurts leaned on his legs and mobility in the pocket to secure the opener, but as the season progresses, he will find a better rhythm with the two. Thursday night proved that the Birds could win in more than one way, and when these stars step out of the shadows, the Eagles’ ceiling will be even higher.
