Amon-Ra St. Brown threw a jab at Dyami Brown the last time the wide receivers from the same draft locked horns. The Washington Commanders pass-catcher took note.
Brown got the last laugh. And the Commanders are within one game of reaching the Super Bowl in their first season under head coach Dan Quinn.
The former third-round pick out of North Carolina was taken by the Commanders at No. 82 overall. St. Brown had to wait longer than that to hear his name called before the Detroit Lions snapped him up in the fourth round at No. 112. He's played with a chip on his shoulder ever since.
Revenge was sweet for Commanders WR Dyami Brown at the Lions
St. Brown made a point of throwing shade at any wide receiver taken ahead of him who wasn't meeting expectations. This included Brown after the Lions comfortably beat Washington in Week 2 of the 2022 season, almost mocking his fellow wideout for his lack of production.
"You know the draft. It is what it is. Even the Commanders, they got a guy before me over there. I believe his name is Dyami Brown. I don’t know how many catches he had—you guys can probably tell me that—or how many yards he had, but I don’t forget things like that. I see him across the sideline from where I’m standing during the game, and I’m gonna give every team hell…I didn’t see him in the game much."Amon-Ra St. Brown
#Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown was scanning the Commanders sideline during Sunday's game looking for WR Dyami Brown, who was taken ahead of him in the 2021 NFL Draft.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 21, 2022
"I don't forget things like that. ... I didn't see him in the game much."
(🎥 @Lions) pic.twitter.com/YkmQXyNFRl
Brown couldn't be missed this time around.
The fourth-year pro has come to life at the best possible time. Washington waited until he was ready, but Brown's improved work ethic and raised urgency earned the trust of offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and, more importantly, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
The improvements speak for themselves. Brown's gone from an afterthought to a focal point of Washington's offense. Daniels has no problem looking for him downfield or in key situations. This newfound confidence emanated from the receiver during the Commanders' memorable Divisional Round triumph at Ford Field.
Brown proved his worth as a dynamic option capable of stepping up in the most crucial moments. He brought in six receptions from eight targets for 98 receiving yards — a team-high once again. This could have been even better had the West Mecklenburg High School product not dropped a ball from Daniels in the first half.
It didn't take long for Commanders fans on social media to bring St. Brown's quote back up once their victory was secure. He'll never admit it, but this was undoubtedly fuel for Brown's fire that he put to tremendous use.
St. Brown got his yards — he always does. The Lions were chasing the game, so the passing attack took priority. The two-time All-Pro bought in eight receptions for 137 receiving yards. However, it was not enough.
Brown has his sights set on the NFC Conference championship game next weekend. St. Brown is planning his vacation as the No. 1 seed in the NFC fluffed their lines in the playoff pressure cooker once again.
And one could forgive Brown for having a wry smile and an extremely satisfied feeling after making St. Brown pay for his unnecessary criticism.