Jeremy Maclin passed the first test yesterday when he avoided saying anything in his news conference which would create controversy. The young man wisely avoided talking about the contract negotiations which were now completed.
It would not have served him or the Eagles for him to start divulging who said what during the contract talks. After you get your money all is forgotten.
The same was true about explaining how disappointed he was when he went back home last weekend because of the elongated talks. The kid avoided the land mine and said he's looking forward and isn't dwelling on something that's concluded.
Now it's all about football and producing. Maclin will have to refresh himself on the routes he was running during the OTA's and get out there and take care of business. Once he starts doing his thing everything will be forgotten.
Yes he missed some time but he has already been exposed to the offense and should be able to get back up to speed by the time they play their first preseason game.
They shouldn't just overload the kid in two or three days, but I would advise taking a couple of weeks to catch him up by working extra with him after practices and in the evenings. Wide receiver coach David Culley will make sure he knows exactly what they want him to do in each and every situation.
Maclin job will be to first of all win the confidence of Andy Reid, so he can get on the field. Secondly, he'll be trying to win the confidence of Donovan McNabb, so the QB will throw him the ball once he gets on the field.
I'm starting to feel that the offense is going to need to carry more of the load this year, so getting Maclin signed will help greatly with getting that job done.
It all starts this morning and I'll keep you posted.
