The Philadelphia Eagles’ offense sputtered through the first half of their Black Friday matchup against the Chicago Bears, leaving fans frustrated and quick to point fingers at two of the team’s biggest names.
Wide receiver A.J. Brown and running back Saquon Barkley combined for little impact as the Eagles managed only two first downs and 83 total yards on 17 plays. Chicago controlled the tempo, holding the ball for 21 minutes compared to Philadelphia’s nine, and carried a 10-3 lead into halftime.
Eagles Fans Blast Saquon Barkley and A.J. Brown After Sluggish Start
Barkley finished the half with six carries for 23 yards, while Brown was largely quiet against a Bears secondary that kept the Eagles’ passing game in check. The lack of production sparked sharp criticism from fans online.
“Both AJ Brown and Saquon Barkley are washed. Can’t blame the OC for that,” one fan wrote.
Both AJ Brown and Saquon Barkley are washed. Can’t blame the OC for that.
— max (@_MaxGamarra) November 28, 2025
Another added, “Right question wrong player. Saquon might be washed.”
Right question wrong player. Saquon might be washed
— Zack Wright (@zackwright_) November 28, 2025
Others were even more direct: “Philly have managed to strip Saquon of everything that made him a special player last year.”
Philly have managed to strip Saquon of everything that made him a special player last year
— Chxps🐉🍉🗽 (@chxpsarchive) November 28, 2025
Some fans pointed to Barkley’s confidence and effort as part of the problem.
“Saquon has no confidence in running anymore. Jalen Hurts doesn’t and running he’s non factor. This team is just bad,” one post read.
Saquon has no confidence in running anymore Jalen hurts doesn’t and running he’s non factor. This team is just bad.
— WMjR™👑 (@WMjR23) November 28, 2025
Another noted the disparity in production: “Deandre Swift is out gaining Saquon by 70 yards at half. Totally nothing wrong with our offense we don’t need to change anything at all.”
Deandre Swift is out gaining Saquon by 70 yards at half. Totally nothing wrong with our offense we don’t need to change anything at all
— Reuben Brewster (@Reubenbrewster) November 28, 2025
Calls for change went beyond frustration, with some demanding that Barkley be replaced in the lineup.
“Saquon is so washed. Play Tank,” one fan wrote, referring to backup running back Tank Bigsby.
Saquon is so washed. Play Tank
— I’m the Biggest Bird (@Durty_Burty) November 28, 2025
“Bench Saquon put in Bigsby let’s get our running game to open up our receivers,” another added, echoing the sentiment that a fresh option in the backfield could spark the offense
Bench Saquon put in Bigsby let’s get our running game to open up our receivers
— 🐦🔥 (@lsxoskur) November 28, 2025
Brown also drew heavy criticism for his leadership and role in the offense.
“The desire to get AJ Brown and Smith the ball has hurt the Eagles more than when they were just running the damn ball,” one fan said.
The desire to get AJ Brown and Smith the ball has hurt the Eagles more than when they were just running the damn ball.
— Brian (@Spcbll_1) November 28, 2025
Another fan was more blunt: “Aj Brown should not be a captain on this team. His behavior and play on the field is not what team captains do. Rip that patch from his chest. We need accountability.”
Aj Brown should not be a captain on this team. His behavior amd play on the field is not what team captains do. Rip that patch from his chest. We need accountability…
— Rob Schubert (@rshoes80) November 28, 2025
The frustration boiled over in some corners of the fan base.
“Get AJ Brown out of Philly,” one post read, underscoring the growing impatience with the star receiver.
Get AJ Brown out of Philly
— ボス (@KingManny___) November 28, 2025
The criticism reflects a growing concern among Eagles fans that the team’s offensive stars are not delivering in key moments. Brown, once considered one of the league’s most dominant receivers, has struggled to create separation in recent weeks.
Barkley, meanwhile, has yet to recapture the explosiveness of last season, leaving Philadelphia’s ground game stagnant.
With the Bears controlling tempo and dictating the pace of play, the Eagles face mounting pressure to find answers. The second half will serve as a test of whether their stars can silence the doubters or if calls for lineup changes will grow louder.