The Philadelphia Eagles are entering a new era after going just 4-12 last season and after getting rid of longtime coach Andy Reid, the team hired Chip Kelly to take things over and big improvements are expected on both sides of the ball as the 2013 season approaches.
Kelly brought back Michael Vick as the likely starting quarterback ahead of Nick Foles and the newly drafted Matt Barkley and the team also will try and find new ways to use wide receivers Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson, who at one point had an issue with the coach after running with the third team in workouts. One of the most intriguing players this summer and this season for the Eagles will be Maclin, as he has just one year left on his contract after being a first round pick in 2009, according to ESPN.com.
Maclin has been one of the best players for the Eagles during the first stretch of his career and last season he made 69 catches for 857 yards and seven touchdowns and his numbers could get even better in the new offense from Kelly. The Eagles have room to sign Maclin long-term if they choose to do so and he would be one of the core players they have locked up over the past few years with Jackson, Trent Cole and running back LeSean McCoy, who is also expected to have a huge year in the new offense. McCoy rushed for 840 yards and two touchdowns last season and it is likely that those numbers will go up with Kelly at the helm.
One thing that the Eagles love about Maclin is his consistency and he has averaged 65 receptions, 863 yards and 6.5 touchdowns during his time in the league. The Eagles went just 4-12 last season and ranked 13th in both passing and rushing yards per game while allowing over 125 yards per game on the ground. The team opens the season with a Monday night game against the Redskins and after playing the Chargers and Chiefs at home, the Eagles will go on the road three straight weeks in a tough stretch against the Denver Broncos, New York Giants and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
