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Jeremy Maclin Proving To Be Go-To Guy For Philadelphia Eagles

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We clearly live in a world nowadays where statistics and fantasy points dictate whether an NFL player is considered great, good, or even mediocre. On that alone, Jeremy Maclin is proving to be an even more than suitable replacement for DeSean Jackson. However, the attributes that define a No. 1 wide receiver in the NFL go way beyond the numbers.

Take away the fact that Maclin is tied for fifth in receiving yards with Antonio Brown at 296 yards. Take away the fact that he is tied for fourth in touchdown receptions with three. The fact that NFL analysts and observers need to discuss is that Maclin has made big plays in all three games this season that have directly impacted the final score.

In Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Maclin put up solid numbers: four catches for 97 yards and a touchdown. However, arguably the biggest play of the game came with the score tied at 17-17. Nick Foles rolled out on a play-action fake and found a wide open Maclin for a 68-yard score. It was Philadelphia’s first lead of the season, and they never looked back.

Next up as the Indianapolis Colts. Maclin was not as productive from a statistical standpoint during Week 2, but he arguably came up bigger in this game than he did against the Jaguars. After a Malcolm Jenkins interception, Foles drove the Eagles down the field with under four minutes remaining in the game. He then found Maclin for a tough six-yard touchdown reception, tying the score at 27-27. Another big moment, another game-changing play.

This takes us to Week 3 against the Washington Redskins, where Maclin may have had the best game of his NFL career. Yes, he had eight receptions for 154 yards and a touchdown. Yet, his biggest impact came on a third-and-8. Foles was under extreme pressure and threw a pass to the sidelines, in the vicinity of Maclin, who went onto make a diving play that was originally called incomplete. However, after a Philadelphia challenge, the play was reversed, leading to Maclin’s touchdown two plays later.

After reading this, it is hard to argue the drastic impact Maclin has made this season. A No. 1 receiver is a guy who comes up big during clutch situations. And that is what Maclin has done thus far in 2014. If this continues, he will be easily be playing in first Pro Bowl as well as helping the Eagles become legitimate Super Bowl contenders.

Max Zelenko is a Philadelphia Eagles/NFL writer for www.Rantsports.com. Follow him on twitter @maxzelenko, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.

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