Considering that only five months ago, wide receiver Jeremy Maclin was unsure if he would ever play football again because of a mysterious health scare, his performance this season is nothing short of astounding.
Despite missing three games this season with shoulder and hamstring injuries, Maclin has 50 receptions for 682 yards and four touchdowns through 11 games. But the third-year receiver doesn't put much stock into individual achievements. Rather, Maclin's goal is winning games, and that means making sure he, as well as his teammates, get into the end zone.
"I like to help my other teammates," said Maclin. "I try to put not just myself, but the other guys, in positions to make plays. I think doing that definitely makes you a complete player. The guys really notice that and respect it. It's something I take pride in.
"Obviously everybody wants personal stats, but points are points; if I'm contributing to us scoring points by making a block, then that's all I care about."
It's not just his teammates who have taken notice, though. Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg praised the work of the third-year receiver during his press conference Wednesday.
"I really credit Jeremy's toughness," he said. "He blocks like a mad man and he is fearless. It's a valuable asset to have on the football field. He's been through a rough year- mentally and physically- but he's a tough guy. He's one of the outstanding players in this game."
Those are strong words from a man who has coached on the offensive side of the ball for almost 30 years. Coach Mornhinweg is happy to have a player with that kind of determination and grit. Maclin attributes that drive, and an understanding of the playbook, for his stellar blocking from the wide receiver position.
"The most important thing is effort; you can't teach effort," he said. "You also have to understand each play and know where the ball is at any moment and where it's going. Blocking for a running back like LeSean McCoy is difficult because you never know where he's going to go with the ball."
For the Eagles, making the most of every play is important, because mistakes have been such a killer for the team this season.
"When we play mistake-free football, with all the talent we have, we're pretty tough to beat," said Maclin. "Stuff happens. Against the Jets, we turned the ball over a few times and we created some turnovers, but that's just the way the game is. Nine times out of 10, the team that makes fewer mistakes will win. We know that we have the talent, but turnovers are a big part of why we're 6-8."
This week, the Eagles travel down to Cowboys Stadium to face a tough Dallas Cowboys team. Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan will try to force the Eagles to make mistakes and turn the ball over – the Eagles' Achilles heel this season.
"We don't expect the Cowboys to lie down," said Maclin. "They control their own destiny - if they win out, they're in. We know they're going to bring their 'A' game.
"We are confident, though, that we can win this game and put ourselves in a good position for the postseason. But regardless of what happens in the Giants game earlier in the day, we've still got something to play for, pride. We're playing for ourselves, and for each other, for the organization, and for the fans."
