'Bigger, stronger, more aggressive' WR Jordan Matthews primed for a 'big one'
If you can purchase stock in Jordan Matthews, the Eagles' second-year receiver, do it before the start of the regular season. It has the potential to be a big one.
The Matthews we've seen thus far this summer is a far different player than Maclin or Jackson ever were. He is bigger, stronger, more aggressive. Put a star next to that last trait. It might prove to be the most significant.
"I think that's one of the things you kind of want to go through in camp, put those guys in those situations, throw balls up, let them make plays," Sam Bradford said. "Obviously, Jordan's come down with his fair share of those. I think it's a credit to the way he works. I think that guy catches more footballs than anybody I've ever seen. His hands are really strong. It's something he's always working on. I think it's something that's really showed up out here this first week."
You can't tell a lot in camp, but you can tell rapport. Bradford and Matthews have it. Asked whether something like that can result in more balls thrown a wide receiver's way, Bradford was definitive.
"Absolutely," he said.
With Jeremy Maclin gone, Matthews will have to play more than the 65% of the snaps that he played as a rookie. He was the #24 WR in standard formats, so increased playing time should lead to a better finish. He won't be limited to the slot in 2015.
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