Jeremy Maclin Has Career Game, But Drops An Easy One At The End

It was fourth down and the game was on the line. Eagles wideout Jeremy Maclin came off the line on the left side of the formation, then used his strength and size to get inside of the man-to-man coverage. He knew he had to get open because the game was on the line.

Second-year quarterback Mike Kafka was in there at quarterback in place of injured starter Michael Vick. Kafka had been perfect so far in his throws and Andy Reid was hoping that it would continue on this play.

What a night Maclin was having in front of the nation on this Sunday night game. It was one of the best games of his career. He had pulled down 13 receptions for 171 yards and two touchdowns.

He showed his explosiveness and punt return ability on a quick screen in the third quarter. Maclin stepped back behind the line of scrimmage and caught a pass from Michael Vick. He saw the pursuit coming from inside and knew he had no time to spare. Maclin secured the football and started heading upfield.

Eagles left tackle Jason Peters showed his athleticism by shoving John Abraham upfield as the defensive end headed toward the Vick. Once Peters had discarded Abraham, he then quickly headed up downfield in search of a little defenseless defensive back.

Maclin quickly got in behind him and turned on the turbos. The third-year wideout went into the end zone from 36-yards out without being touched. This was a perfectly executed play for the Birds.

This was an eventful game for Maclin who was knocked out of the contest for a few plays when Atlanta cornerback Dunta Robinson launched into him with his helmet as Maclin was crossing the field on a pass route.

This is the same Dunta Robinson who had launched into DeSean Jackson a year ago on the same type of crossing route. This time he didn’t get an exact hit on his target, Maclin’s head and the wide receiver was able to continue playing after taking a few plays off.

Back to the fourth quarter play with less than two-minutes remaining on the clock. The Eagles were trailing by four points, in Falcons territory and desperate to get a first down because the clock had less than two-minute remaining on the clock.

Kafka dropped into the pocket and looked up Maclin who had gotten inside of his defenders. The former Northwestern signal caller spotted the wide receiver and let the throw go. It was on the money and hit Maclin right in the chest.

Instead of catching the ball in his hands, Maclin tried to cradle the ball but it bounced off his chest and fell to the ground. He’s got to make that catch. It was a perfect throw and would have been one of the easiest plays he made all night. He’s got to come down with that football.

It was a bittersweet ending for Maclin, who had enjoyed a career game. Fortunately for the Birds, this won’t be the last time that this young receiver torches a secondary.