Maclin Ready for Take Off?

Lost One · Oct 15, 2009

Once Jeremy Maclin learned the offense, the rest was easy.

Catching passes and making big plays are nothing new for the Philadelphia Eagles rookie wide receiver. He just needed a little time to get acclimated to the West Coast offense after playing in a spread system at Missouri.

It didn't take him long.

Maclin had a breakout performance in his fourth game, catching six passes for 142 yards and two touchdowns in Philadelphia's 33-14 victory over Tampa Bay. His first TD was a 51-yard reception and the second was 40 yards.

"The terminology was different, that's probably the biggest thing I had to learn," said Maclin, who got a chance to start because Kevin Curtis has an injured knee. "You're used to one way and then it's completely different. I think I've gotten it down now. I'm a pretty smart guy, so I was able to pick it up."

A standout in Missouri's high-octane offense, Maclin was expected to be a top-10 pick in April's NFL draft. When he dropped, the Eagles made sure to grab him, trading up two spots with Cleveland to land the speedster at No. 19.

Last year, Philadelphia drafted wideout DeSean Jackson in the second round. Jackson quickly became the team's top receiver and most dangerous offensive weapon, with 62 receptions for 912 yards and two TDs as a rookie. Jackson already has a pair of 100-yard games this season and TD catches of 71 and 64 yards.

There used to be a time when the Eagles insisted young receivers couldn't be rushed in their complicated offense. But Jackson and Maclin developed fast.

Since becoming head coach in 1999, Andy Reid has drafted nine receivers in the top four rounds. Jackson, Maclin, Reggie Brown (second round, 2005) and Jason Avant (fourth round '06) remain with the team.

Freddie Mitchell was a first-round flop. Todd Pinkston, a second-round pick in 2000, started for a few years, but he's most remembered for short-arming a couple of balls across the middle.

Na Brown (fourth round, 1999), Gari Scott (fourth round, 2000) and Billy McMullen (third round, 2003) were wasted picks. Even Reggie Brown, who had early success, has turned into a bust because he can't get on the field.

"I don't know about anyone else and can't speak for them, but we were productive in college," Maclin said of himself and Jackson. "We made plays there. Football is football, so it shouldn't be any different."

Donovan McNabb isn't used to having such skilled receivers, especially young guys. Except for 1 1/2 unforgettable seasons with Terrell Owens and one year with Donte' Stallworth, McNabb has done it with pedestrian targets.

McNabb became a five-time Pro Bowl quarterback and went to NFC championship games with starters such as Charles Johnson, Torrance Small, James Thrash and Pinkston. There's no telling what he can do with talent like Jackson and Maclin.

"It takes a lot of pressure off me," McNabb said. "When you talk about some of these young guys and the speed and the big-play ability that they have, you just want to reward them with the ball. As you saw last week, you saw Maclin making big plays downfield for us and some intermediate passing throws that we completed.

"The week prior to that, before the bye week, DeSean Jackson catching a 6-yard route and going 50-some yards. When you give them an opportunity, when they run the right route, create separation, anything can happen. That's always important for any ballclub, for us to try to come up with plays to get them the ball."

There's no jealousy between Maclin and Jackson. When the Buccaneers focused on shutting down Jackson , he had one reception for 1 yard , that gave Maclin an opportunity to be the go-to man. He took advantage.

"You look around through the league for years there were always (Jerry) Rice and (John) Taylor and then Rice and Owens, (Torry) Holt and (Isaac) Bruce, Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne, (Larry) Fitzgerald and (Anquan) Boldin now," Maclin said. "A lot of great teams have two great receivers. It's not about competition, or ego, it's about making plays and helping your team win."

With the Mac and Jack attack, the Eagles have a chance to win quite a few.
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http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/..._eaglesrookiemaclinlearnsoffensetakesoff.html

With Curtis hurt and struggling, Maclin pretty much has the starting job on lock. He was terrific last week against the Bucs, getting down the field, catching passes. Jackson and Maclin are gonna be giving teams headaches in the future, I just hope JMac continues to build off his success.

huevonkiller · Oct 15, 2009

Lost One said: ↑

http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/..._eaglesrookiemaclinlearnsoffensetakesoff.html

With Curtis hurt and struggling, Maclin pretty much has the starting job on lock. He was terrific last week against the Bucs, getting down the field, catching passes. Jackson and Maclin are gonna be giving teams headaches in the future, I just hope JMac continues to build off his success.
Click to expand...

Man you have some explosive weapons Lost. The NFC East race will be fascinating.

Lost One · Oct 15, 2009

Yeah dude, I'm excited for the future when DJax - JMac - and Shady McCoy develop!

BasX · Oct 15, 2009

Damn Mizzou

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Maclin Ready for Take Off?

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