Book it: A.J. Brown and the Philadelphia Eagles are poised to turn the page after a sluggish playoff opener. The wide receiver is not one for fiction; he finds solace in reality. For Brown, it’s all about embracing his truth and harnessing his inner strength, keeping his mind focused on what truly matters.
During the Eagles’ wild-card game on Sunday, Brown’s behavior on the sidelines caught the attention of many. Instead of reviewing plays on an iPad or strategizing with coaches, he was engrossed in a book titled “Inner Excellence” by Jim Murphy, a former baseball player and performance coach. This unconventional choice raised eyebrows, especially as Brown had only one catch and seemed sidelined in the game plan.
Yet for Brown, this was a staple of his game day routine. “It gives me a sense of peace,” he explained after the Eagles secured a 22-10 victory over the Green Bay Packers at Lincoln Financial Field, advancing to the divisional playoff round. “That’s a book I bring every single game. My teammates call it ‘a recipe’ for success.”
The moment was particularly telling, as it was a game where frustrations could easily bubble over for a player of Brown’s caliber. Known for his fiery spirit, he has previously shown frustration with the Eagles’ offensive strategies and his close friend, quarterback Jalen Hurts. However, this time, he chose to channel any potential anger into reading.
Brown’s performance was lackluster, with only one catch for 10 yards, while teammates expressed their own frustrations about the offense’s struggles. Despite being a game-changer, he was targeted just three times out of Hurts’ 21 passes, often finding himself open yet unutilized.
Instead of letting disappointment take hold, Brown turned to his well-worn copy of “Inner Excellence.” This book, gifted by defensive tackle Moro Ojomo, is filled with insights aimed at enhancing mental performance. After the game, Brown showcased the dog-eared pages, complete with highlighted sections and personal notes, underscoring its importance in his routine.
“It’s got a lot of points in there,” he shared. “It’s all about the mental game. The game is mental for me. I refresh my mindset every drive, whether I score or drop a pass. I always go back to that book to refocus.”
The Eagles, who had a powerful offense during the regular season, struggled to find their rhythm against the Packers. Despite their eighth overall ranking and second in rushing, they were unable to capitalize on opportunities. Hurts, returning from a concussion, appeared rusty, contributing to the team’s lack of sharpness.
While the Eagles’ defense played a crucial role in their victory, forcing four turnovers, they know they cannot rely solely on that as the playoffs progress. Brown emphasized the need for his involvement, yet he expressed satisfaction with the team’s efforts, stating, “I wasn’t frustrated at all. I figured that’s what you all probably thought. But I wasn’t frustrated.”
The game showcased moments of resilience, such as Dallas Goedert’s impressive touchdown run, which Brown admired as “aggressive, grown-man ball.” Yet, it also highlighted the need for the Eagles to regroup and refocus as they move forward in the playoffs.
As Brown reflected on his reading habits, he noted the importance of maintaining a clear mind. “If you can just have a clear mind and remember that nothing else matters—negative or positive—you can take risks.” This philosophy seems to guide him as he prepares for the challenges ahead, both for himself and the team.
The Eagles, with Brown’s unique approach to mental preparation, are ready to learn from their playoff opener and aim for improvement. The focus will be on moving forward without regrets, embracing the physicality of their game, and finding ways to secure victories, regardless of the obstacles they face.
