The Philadelphia Eagles boast one of the NFL’s most electrifying wide receiver tandems in A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Since joining forces in 2022, this dynamic duo has consistently delivered, with each player racking up at least 900 receiving yards in each of their three seasons together. Their chemistry with quarterback Jalen Hurts has made them a nightmare for opposing defenses, particularly for cornerbacks tasked with covering them. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF) writer Ryan Smith, no team has felt their wrath more than the Washington Commanders, whose defensive backs have seen their careers take a hit after facing Brown and Smith.
A.J. Brown’s Demolition of Emmanuel Forbes
In 2023, the Commanders drafted cornerback Emmanuel Forbes in the first round (16th overall), hoping he’d bolster their secondary. However, Forbes was no match for A.J. Brown, who dominated him in their two matchups that season. In their Week 4 clash, Brown was targeted 10 times against Forbes, hauling in six passes for 147 yards and two touchdowns, resulting in a 143.8 passer rating when targeted. The second game wasn’t as explosive for the individual matchup, with Brown recording two receptions for 45 yards and a touchdown against Forbes, but his overall performance that day—an 8-catch, 130-yard, two-touchdown line—proved he was unstoppable for Washington’s defense, regardless of who covered him.
The fallout for Forbes was stark. The Commanders cut him last year, and he landed with the Los Angeles Rams late in the season, playing just two games. Brown’s dominance played a significant role in exposing Forbes’ struggles, contributing to his swift exit from Washington.
DeVonta Smith’s Mastery Over Kendall Fuller
DeVonta Smith, meanwhile, left his mark on veteran cornerback Kendall Fuller during a standout performance in Week 3 of the 2022 season. Fuller, a usually reliable defender who ranked among the top 15 cornerbacks in PFF grades that year (76.6) and third the previous season (81.5), was overwhelmed by Smith. In that game, Smith caught eight of 12 targets for 169 yards and a touchdown, earning a 92.5 PFF game grade. Against Fuller specifically, Smith was targeted six times, securing five receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown, generating a perfect 158.3 passer rating when targeted.
Fuller’s struggles against Smith were a rare blemish on his otherwise solid career. After the 2023 season, Fuller left the Commanders to join the Miami Dolphins. As of now, he remains unsigned, a surprising turn for a player of his caliber, and Smith’s dominant performance against him in 2022 likely lingered in the minds of Washington’s decision-makers.
A Trail of Tormented Defenders
Forbes and Fuller aren’t the only cornerbacks to suffer at the hands of Brown and Smith, but their stories stand out due to the significant career repercussions. Both players were key pieces in Washington’s secondary, yet their inability to contain Philadelphia’s star receivers contributed to their departures from the team. The stats provided by PFF underscore the profound impact Brown and Smith had, not just in single games but in altering the trajectories of these defenders’ careers.
What’s Next for Brown and Smith in 2025?
As the 2025 season approaches, Brown and Smith are poised to continue their reign of terror on NFL secondaries. The question isn’t whether they’ll find new victims but who those unfortunate cornerbacks will be. Eagles fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter of this duo’s dominance, ready to watch them dismantle defenses and, perhaps, send a few more careers into a tailspin.