Former Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy called out Jalen Hurts and Philadelphia’s passing game after watching Ja’Marr Chase receive 23 targets in the Cincinnati Bengals’ Thursday night win. The contrast between how the Bengals use Chase and how the Eagles deploy A.J. Brown has become impossible to ignore.
What Did LeSean McCoy Say About A.J. Brown’s Target Share?
McCoy posted his frustration on X after watching Chase’s historic performance. “Wow so Jamar Chase can get 23 targets but AJ BROWN can’t get 10 solid targets,” McCoy wrote.
The timing makes the comparison sting. Chase caught 16 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown on those 23 targets, setting a Bengals franchise record and helping Cincinnati snap a four-game losing streak with a 33-31 victory over Pittsburgh.
His target total was the highest by any receiver in the 2025 season and tied for third-most in NFL history behind Brandon Marshall’s 28 and Chris Chambers’ 26.
McCoy’s critique addresses a mounting concern in Philadelphia. Brown has managed just 25 receptions for 274 yards and one touchdown through six games, averaging only 45.7 yards per contest. Brown ranks 55th in PFSN’s WR Impact metric with a 71.8 score and a C- grade. Chase, by comparison, sits 12th with an 84.8 score and a B grade despite Cincinnati’s quarterback chaos.
The numbers reveal the core issue. The Eagles rank 31st in passing yards per game at just 138, starving Brown of opportunities. Hurts’ run-first approach has him averaging nearly equal rushing yards (195 total) to what he’s generating for his star receiver through the air. He ranks 19th in PFSN’s QB Impact metric with a 75.7 score and a C grade.
Multiple sources confirmed both Brown and DeVonta Smith are frustrated with their limited roles, with Brown being more vocal publicly.
How Does Jalen Hurts’ Approach Differ From Joe Flacco’s Strategy?
Philadelphia has the 21st-ranked offense in PFSN’s Offense Impact metric with a 73.2 score and a C grade through six games. The run-heavy approach features Saquon Barkley prominently but starves the passing game. The Eagles finish 46.3% of their drives without achieving a first down.
The irony McCoy highlights cuts deep. Joe Flacco ranks 34th in PFSN’s QB Impact metric with a 56.8 score and an F grade, yet the 40-year-old has unlocked Chase since taking over for injured starter Joe Burrow. In his second start against Pittsburgh, Flacco threw Chase’s way on nearly half of his pass attempts. A lower-graded quarterback trusts his receiver more than Hurts trusts Brown.
Brown’s efficiency metrics reflect Hurts’ conservative distribution. His yards per target dropped from 11.1 last season to 6.1, and the target success rate plummeted from 69.1% to 55.6%.
The Eagles’ offensive formula has become predictable: run the ball, run it again, then let Hurts sneak it in short-yardage situations. That approach leaves Brown watching from the sideline during crucial red-zone opportunities where he should be dominating.
McCoy’s observation captures the broader tension brewing in Philadelphia. The Eagles started 4-2 and remain competitive, but Brown’s frustration could boil over if Hurts doesn’t adjust. The former Eagles star made his point clear: if a struggling Bengals team can get Chase 23 targets, Philadelphia has no excuse for keeping Brown under 10.
