Let’s Talk About Jeremy Maclin

He’s a highly touted rookie playing a highly scrutinized position in a city that isn’t easy to please. He was a first-round holdout who came from a spread offense that didn’t require him to run sophisticated routes. He was thrust into a starting role early in the season and asked to contribute sooner than expected. He’s dealing with a painful case of plantar fasciitis and a sore shoulder.

Such is life for Jeremy Maclin. The 19th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft is learning fast how to handle the December grind on a contending team. It can’t be ice cream and puppy dogs for JMac, but so far he has represented himself nicely for the Eagles.

Through twelve games, Maclin ranks third among rookie receivers with 46 catches. Only Percy Harvin (48) and Austin Collie (47) are ahead of him. Those 46 catches are two better than DeSean Jackson. His 623 yards is second best to Harvin’s 681. Only Harvin (6) and Hakeem Nicks (5) have scored more touchdowns than Maclin’s 4.

Overall, I’d say Maclin has lived up to the hype. His return skills have been spotty, but he did almost break one against the Falcons. The thing that impresses me most about him are his hands. As we all know, McNabb doesn’t always throw the most accurate ball. Maclin has the ability to make quick adjustments and snag all those low, high and behind passes.

He also exudes a quiet confidence. I’m sure deep down he’s fighting nerves, but on the surface he doesn’t seem phased by the glitz and glam of the NFL. I hope he can keep his mind and body in check because the pressure is about to get ratcheted up another notch starting Sunday night.

You stay frosty Jeremy Maclin.

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