WR A.J. Brown sets Philadelphia Eagles receiving record in debut with team
DETROIT — Simply put, A.J. Brown had the best receiving debut in Philadelphia team history Sunday, propelling the Eagles to a 38-35 win over the Lions.
Brown racked up 155 yards on 10 catches, the most receiving yards for an Eagles player in his first game, according to the Elias Sports Bureau, eclipsing a mark set by Donte’ Stallworth (141 yards) in 2006. Only Anquan Boldin (208 yards, 49ers) and Randy Moss (183 yards, Patriots) had better debuts after being traded in the past 30 years, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.
“I give my credit to God,” Brown said. “I know there were some greats that played here before me. It’s kind of overwhelming that I get to scratch my name in that book. I’m blessed.”
The Jalen Hurts-to-Brown connection started to heat up on the second series, with the quarterback completing passes to his good friend four times for 62 yards.
“It got me going. I like to try and touch it as early as I can,” Brown said. “There’s just something about it.”
Hurts followed with arguably his prettiest pass in an Eagles uniform late in the second quarter, dropping one over cornerback Will Harris deep down the right sideline into the arms of Brown, who dragged the defender an additional 10 yards for a 54-yard completion, setting up a Jake Elliott field goal that extended the lead to 24-14.
Brown ended the half with six catches for 128 yards.
“He made big-time plays today,” Hurts said. “A.J. made a lot of plays that gave us a lot of momentum.”
The Eagles acquired Brown, 25, from the Tennessee Titans on the first night of the draft in April for a first-round pick and a third-round pick, then promptly signed him to a four-year, $100 million extension.
Hurts favored Brown in a big way Sunday, targeting him 13 times — nine more than the next-closest receiver option. Hurts went 18-of-32 for 243 yards and added 90 rushing yards on 17 carries.