By David F. Cohen
Everybody within range of a microphone is predicting great things for Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin as he returns from his second ACL reconstruction in eight seasons, dating to his college days at Missouri.
The conventional wisdom is that Maclin will battle the Patriots’ Rob Gronkowski for comeback player of the year.
Funny thing about the conventional wisdom:
It is often way wrong, especially if it is based on workouts in OTA’s and mini-camps where no one is doing serious hitting. I will wait to make a judgment after a few games in September to see if Maclin can take the punishment and keep producing as Eagles fans are used to seeing.
“The way he handled everything last year, he did a great job of it to where he’s got even more strength where he can push it even harder,” quarterback Nick Foles said Tuesday. “I think he is better than he ever was. Throwing to him on the field and seeing him run and catch, I think he looks great.”
Maclin has gone through 11 offseason practices as a full participant without a setback.
“I’ve done everything since April 21st, when we were able to get out here as a team,” Maclin explained, via the Philadelphia Inquirer. “I’ve been getting better each and every day, and I’m really happy with my progress.”
Coach Chip Kelly deemed Maclin’s recent practice work “fantastic.” The five-year veteran hasn’t lost a step and insists he’s getting in and out of his breaks well.
