NFL

Jeremy Maclin is the real deal

Jeremy Maclin is the real deal
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Playing in a contract year following a serious injury, Jeremy Maclin’s standing among NFL wide receivers was up in the air coming into 2014.

But after he picked up 187 yards against the Cardinals Sunday, Maclin is a superstar, in the top 10 in the entire NFL in receiving yards and leading the NFC in touchdowns with six.

“I’ve liked every day since we’ve had Mac’ here,” Chip Kelly said.

Maclin is a complete package, mixing route running with speed, and even run protection.

“He’s a complete receiver because … he’s not a selective participant when it comes to the run game,” Kelly said. “I think he’s been a real physical blocker for us on the edge.”

His 32 career touchdown catches tie him with DeSean Jackson and Ben Hawkins for eighth in Birds history.

It seems clear he is Nick Foles’ favorite target and why not? No one runs routes better on this Eagles squad than Maclin.

“He’s a really, really good route runner, so I think it’s not just a speed component that makes him a good receiver,” Kelly said. “I think he can run really, really good routes and I think he’s got a want‑to in terms of wanting to go get the ball and being that type of guy that when you call his number, he’s going to go get it.

Maclinalso moved into 10th on the Eagles all-time receiving yards list with 4,085 after his impressive performance in Arizona. His 12 career 100-yard games are tied with Terrell Owens for 10th in franchise history.Maclin has six 50-plus yard touchdowns in his career, including two this year.