The Philadelphia Eagles boast one of the NFL’s most formidable 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 every season. Their chemistry with quarterback Jalen Hurts has made them a nightmare for opposing defenses, particularly cornerbacks tasked with containing their explosive playmaking. While many defensive backs have struggled against them, two former Washington Commanders cornerbacks—Emmanuel Forbes and Kendall Fuller—stand out as having been utterly dominated by Brown and Smith, with performances so lopsided they may have contributed to the end of their tenures in Washington.
A.J. Brown’s Demolition of Emmanuel Forbes
In 2023, the Commanders selected Emmanuel Forbes in the first round (16th overall) of the NFL Draft, hoping he’d bolster their secondary. However, Forbes was no match for A.J. Brown, who torched him in their matchups that season. According to Pro Football Focus writer Ryan Smith, Brown’s Week 4 performance against Forbes was nothing short of spectacular. Targeted 10 times, Brown hauled in six passes for 147 yards and two touchdowns, generating a 143.8 passer rating when targeted. The second matchup wasn’t as individually dominant, with Brown recording two receptions for 45 yards and a touchdown against Forbes, but his overall game stats were staggering: eight catches for 130 yards and two scores. Brown’s ability to dominate, regardless of coverage, exposed Forbes’ struggles.
The fallout was swift. Washington cut Forbes before the end of 2024, and he was picked up late in the season by the Los Angeles Rams, where he played just two games. Brown’s dominance over Forbes highlighted a mismatch that likely played a role in the Commanders’ decision to move on from their first-round pick.
DeVonta Smith’s Mastery Over Kendall Fuller
DeVonta Smith, meanwhile, had his own standout performance against a Commanders cornerback in 2022, targeting veteran Kendall Fuller. Fuller, who was among the NFL’s top 15 highest-graded cornerbacks that season (76.6 PFF grade) and ranked third the prior year (81.5), was a reliable defender—until he faced Smith. In their Week 3 clash, Smith put on a clinic, catching eight of 12 targets for 169 yards and a touchdown, earning a 92.5 PFF game grade. Most of his production came against Fuller, who allowed five receptions on six targets for 95 yards and a touchdown, resulting in a perfect 158.3 passer rating when targeted. Smith’s ability to dismantle a seasoned, high-performing cornerback underscored his elite route-running and playmaking ability.
Fuller’s time with the Commanders ended after the 2023 season. He signed with the Miami Dolphins in 2024 but is currently without an NFL team, a stark contrast to his previously stellar reputation. Smith’s commanding performance likely left a lasting mark on Fuller’s tenure in Washington.
A Trail of Defensive Casualties
Forbes and Fuller aren’t the only cornerbacks to fall victim to Brown and Smith’s brilliance, but their struggles were particularly pronounced. The stats paint a clear picture: Brown and Smith didn’t just outperform these defenders—they overwhelmed them, contributing to Washington’s decision to part ways with both players. The Eagles’ wide receiver duo has proven to be a matchup nightmare, exploiting even the most talented defensive backs with their combination of size, speed, and precision.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, Brown and Smith are poised to continue their reign of terror on opposing secondaries. With Jalen Hurts at the helm, the Eagles’ passing game remains a potent weapon. The question isn’t whether Brown and Smith will find new victims in coverage—it’s who those unfortunate cornerbacks will be. Eagles fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter of domination, ready to watch their star receivers carve up defenses once again.