Maclin Itching To Play In Kelly's Offense, Defends Foles
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- Jeremy Maclin tore his ACL during training camp last year, forcing him to miss the entire 2013-14 season and the chance to play in Chip Kelly's offense. Maclin told Angelo Cataldi and the 94WIP Morning Show on Thursday that's he is fully healthy and talked about what excites him most about playing in Kelly's dynamic offense.
"Just how much space that there is," Maclin said. "You know, I think one thing that kind of got lost in my game a little bit---I was excellent with the ball coming out of college after the catch and I think that's something that I could kind of bring back to the table a little bit. I think it kind of got lost in the role I was playing in Marty's [Mornhinweg] offense. Hopefully, this can kinda let me show people I can still make plays with the ball in my hands."
Listen: Jeremy Maclin on the 94WIP Morning Show
Maclin has only played seven games with third-year quarterback Nick Foles, catching 41 balls from Foles in 2012. In 2013, with Maclin sidelined, Foles blossomed throwing 27 touchdowns and two interceptions, while leading the NFL in passer rating. Critics, however, are cautious when acclaiming Foles just yet.
"I mean Nick can play," Maclin said. "I don't understand what the issue is with people trying to doubt his skill set or doubt his capability of playing football. Those seasons, last year, don't happen by fluke. That's a guy who can play football. Like I said earlier, what people need to not get caught up in is, basing Nick's performance this year off numbers of interceptions. Because throwing two interceptions in a season is unheard."
Foles heads into the 2014-15 season as the unquestioned starter for the first time in his young career.
"I think he's definitely progressed," Maclin said of Foles. "I think he's definitely come into this camp as a better quarterback. I think he's coming into this camp understanding the game better and also, with a great deal of confidence. You know, there's not a competition battle anymore. Last year, he was I guess in a way, he was looking over his shoulder. I mean he was looking forward to try and get Mike [Vick], Mike was looking over his shoulder. Now, Nick has nothing to worry about. It's Nick's team, they let it be known that it's Nick's team, and now he can just go out and play."
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