Maclin apologizes for drop
The Philadelphia Daily News - Eagletarian
Maclin apologizes for drop
Daily News staff
Give Eagles receiver Jeremy Maclin credit for standing up and answering all the questions in the postgame locker room following his career night, and a costly drop that ended the Eagles' comeback hopes.
Maclin then delivered a message to the fans via Twitter as the team was leaving Atlanta: "I can't believe it ... I apologize."
LeSean McCoy quickly reminded Maclin that it was more than him who is at fault. "Delete that bro ... We all blow it."
After the drop, Maclin went over to quarterback Mike Kafka. Asked what he said to Kafka, Maclin said, "My fault, my fault."
"It was a catchable ball," Maclin said. "I should have come up with it.
"We were moving the ball up and down the field. I didn’t make the catch at the end of the game. There were so many different things you can go back and look at. They didn’t stop us, we stopped ourselves."
The drop overshadowed an amazing performance in which Maclin set career highs in receptions (13) and yards (171), and caught his first two touchdowns of the season.
It was his fifth career 100-yard game, and his reception total ranks as the third-most ever by an Eagle in a single game (Brian Westbrook had 14 on 11/4/07 vs. Dallas, and Don Looney had 14 on 12/1/40 at Washington).
In just 33 regular season contests, Maclin has compiled five two-touchdown performances. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, only 10 receivers in NFL history have had more multi-touchdown efforts in their first 33 games, the most recent being Randy Moss, who had seven … According to Pro Football Reference, since 1960, only 12 receivers have more than five multi-touchdown games in their first three NFL seasons.
Last season, Maclin set a career-high with 159 yards against Atlanta, and in his three career games against the Falcons, he has amassed 24 receptions for 413 yards and four touchdowns.
Asked about his dominance over Atlanta, Maclin said, "Not coming up with W is all that’s really on my mind."
Maclin was lucky to be standing after the game following a shot to the head by Atlanta's headhunting cornerback Dunta Robinson.
Robinson knocked out DeSean Jackson with a concussion last season. That hit cost him $25,000 after he appealed. The league reduced the original fine of $50,000. He can expect another fine, especially after the play drew a 15-yard penalty. Maclin said Robinson was "2-for-2."
"It was a dirty hit," he said. "That’s why he got flagged. If it wasa clean hit, he would’t have gotten flagged. Whatever is coming his way, he’ll get it [as far as a fine from the league]. We’ll kind of see what happens."
Robinson said he was not expecting a fine. "I felt it was a legal hit, even though I was penalized. I do not expect to hear from commissioner Goodell," he said.
Maclin would not go as far as to see Robinson was a "dirty player," just that he did not agree with the hit.
More explanation from Robinson in how this paly differs from the Jackson play, "I saw him catch the ball. Last year, they said the receiver didn’t have time to see. He was a defenseless receiver. I saw him catch the ball. I saw him run, trying to get up field to score. So me as a defender, if I whiff on him, he’s probably is going to run around me and score a long touchdown. This is a physical football game. That’s the way I play. If don’t play that way, I wouldn’t make it in this league. I definitely didn’t think it was a dirty play. I’m not a dirty player. I don’t go out there and hit players illegally."
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This is getting bad. There was a time that if a defender didn't hit like that he wouldn't be in the NFL. The lingerie league is getting tougher than the NFL. I loved that hit.— Ron- He didn't have to apologize, because there were ample missed and blown opportunities in that game. He(McCoy) couldn't have said it better, the eagles beat themselves. They turned the ball over way too much, and gave the Falcons point from their mistakes. I'm with the Eagles all the way regardless.— db2401
- Much respect for Maclin. It may not seem much to tweet an apology, but then again how few athletes do so?— Ashburn072
- I want an apology from the Eagles run defense while you're at it. Just kidding. Real Eagles fans, stop crying! We have the Jersey Giants next! E_A_G_L_E_S EAGLES!!!!!— Could.It.Really.Be...ColonelAngus
- Another reason to like this guy. Physical mistakes are apart of the game of football. He had a great game and is primed to become an elite receiver before the year is out. Given the sorry state of the Giants' defense, I predict the offense scores at least 45 next weekend. Remains to be seen if the defense can hold up their end of the bargain.— beegal99
- No need to say sorry for missing one. You busted your tail to get back into shape to play. Thank you.
Your entire defense and coaching staff should a say SORRY to you for putting you in that situation. 2! Yes 2! 80 yard drives. Everybody but the Eagles coaching staff saw issues with the LBs. Lets see, it was WRs... then they get one too late. Then it was Ends, then again, too late. Special teams one year, kick returner another. This staff is getting replaced this year. I hear their ball boy is getting promoted to D coordinator next.— SlinkTMP - Maclin's a lock for the Hall of Fame human being wise. Maclin has good speed but Jackson has gooder speed so Maclin will last longer. Reid should just throw the flag anytime there's a turnover even if they can't see anything on replays. A challenge is a terrible thing to waste. He wastes too many challenges and should use them all. It's not just "one game". It's like 2.25 games as far as being a human goes. The defense stinks when they are asked to repeatedly defend a short field. I would suggest that we don't ask them to defend a short field. This is what I would do and I'm a football genious.— MikeP
- Not sure whos to blame, but where has Celek gone to? I know he is helping to block, but it was painful to watch the last 2 minutes when you know (as well as everyone on the field) that the ball is going to Maclin. Should've used McCoy on the checkdowns. 1 on 1 on the flat with mccoy, I like our chances.— penncrow19
- If it wasn't for Maclin's great performance before that one miss, we wouldn't have been in the position we were to win the game in the last minute.— Bobphxville
- Maclin deserve a Pro Bowl bid for being Maclin. Guys like that make the Eagles a great team, football-wise and human being-wise. The team did great in stretches and loses like that don't hurt the confidence too badly. Good effort everyone! Especially Kafka. Now just hold onto the fumbles and take timeouts when the other team is moving the ball in a hurry-up. Get well MV and VY.— max11e
- Maclin is the best WR on this team, not slighting DeSean but Maclin is a more complete WR with a longer shelf-life in this league. Speed doesn't last forever. Great game for Maclin, drop aside -- the defense should be apologizing. Daunta Robinson is one of the most overrated/overpaid players in the NFL; he can now add dirty player to that list.— gordon7
- the defense blew it, not maclin....specifically the linebackers and the d-coordinator.— psualum
- just one game, long season
if I had a dollar everytime I've heard that in 4 decades of watching these dopes and now 13 years of AR...these are the "just one games" that stop us from getting a bye - year-in and year-out, nothing changes, see ya next year— jhjack - Eagles have exciting starting qb who makes some huge mistakes and gets creamed, Phils have excellent starting pitchers who aren't overpowering and can get creamed when they're off, Eagles have some homerun hitters who strike out someimes when pressure is on, Phils have one HR hitter who strikes out all the time, Eagles lack linebackers, Phils lack set-up relievers, Eagles lack offensive linemen, Phils lack bench, Eagles coach is liked by his players but is terrible at game management, clock management, timeout management, challenges, playcalling and in-game adjustments, Phils manager is well-liked by his players but is terrible at in-game bullpen and bench decisions.. as my wife says, go root for a different city— warbiscuit
- Maclins awesome. C that block on the linebacker during shadys td run 2 the right? All round baller! GO Vick, GO Reid, GO Eagles!— first down
- Maclins drop was a pass from Kafka (could it be the right handed spiral that was different from Vicks left handed throws?),Reid should have thrown the flag on the INT, Celek dropped a TD, but Jacksons drop would not have counted because of a penalty on the play. Still could have won in spight of all of those miscues. Like Jackson said, Plenty of blame to go around.— nceagle
- Andy would be nuts not to call Shawn Andrews up and get him on the line. Say what you want but he can still ball. He played 13 games for the Gnats last year and started 7 and dominated. (Ask Ware, Clemons,Williams etc).Say what you want about him but there is no way Vick will last a whole season with the current O Line. Low risk, high reward.— SouthPhillyToney
- Maclin's the man. Unnecessary.— FairmountFrank
- It's wasnt his fault. The defense put him in that position. No worries we WILL see them again and it will be in the playoffs AT THE LINC!— NC Eagle Fan
- since when did losing a challenge become more importing than losing a game? Atlanta lost a challenge and won the game.
And, what's up with the 63-yard FG attempt before the half? The ball was on the Atlanta 46 and you have a QB with one of the strongest arms ever. let me see - 63-yard FGs made in the NFL - 2 all time. 46-yard TDs passes - a few thousand. AR took the highest percentage play with low payout rather than let Mike toss one up - what was he afraid of?— jhjack 
Comment removed.- Maclin is a class act. Celek dropped a TD pass and so did Jackson. Robinson needs to be suspended. It's so obvious.— bossrjc
- With KAFKA in, and throwing all short passes, wouldn't a pump fake be in order once in awhile?— tudj
- Comment removed.
- "I believe I also saw Celak drop a sure touchdown pass....and I believe I saw Jackson drop another touchtown pass....and I know I saw Avant drop one that hit both of his hands....drop, turnover, drop, turnover, drop, turnover.....and swiss cheese defense....times yours"— kelprod2
- Someone in the Eagles organization should really check to make sure that Andy understands that he is supposed to keep the red flag in his pocket when the officials make the correct call, and throw it when the officials make the incorrect call. Can't help but think that his performnce on challenges over the years would indicate that his brain works backwards on this concept.— fentonhardy
- I still can't get over how lucky Atlanta was - fumble by the goal line, Vick Injured, phantom interception - but Maclin's drop is one thing that doesn't need apology. Great game and great to see him back in shape.— gob1234
- Maclin, as always, a clas act. As to the flag that wasn't dropped, stop, already. The only thing the team's rep in the booth has to go on is the television replay. Go back and look at it. They did not show the ball hit the ground until after the next play went off. Andy had nothing to go on prior to that. With that information, had Andy thrown the flag and the call wasn't overturned, you all would be jumping on Andy for wasting the time out. If you want to criticize the defense for making like a turtle after Vick got hurt, go for it. But get your facts straight.— rluderitz
- How can Robinson say it was a legal hit. He led with his helmet! Dumb*ss. if he led with his shoulder or his hands, it would have been legal. He purposely "aimed" his head at Maclin.— palmyra21
- He also said after the game that the reason Maclin dropped the last ball was he was worried about getting hit by him again.... Robinson should have been tossed from the game. — dennismithusa
- Nice to see Maclin man up - but he wasn't the only one as stated above; just shake it off and get ready for the G-girls...— M60tanker
exactly right, celek and jackson both dropped TD passes, and andy reid forgot to drop the red flag.— Evilvet- Celek dropped a sure touchdown & so did Jackson— micconway
- True. If Jackson pulls in that bunny this game is an absolute blowout. Amazing how small we came up in key situations. Fortune smiled on the Falcons today. We'll get them back in the playoffs, if the Falcons can get there. — auntesther
- Right now this is a very undisciplined team, coaching, offense, and D. With exception of safety and some linebacker, this is a very talented team. They are just beating themselves.— camasbud
- The only thing worse than the hit was the fact that, as a team, they did NOTHING to retaliate...second year in a row, same headhunter..."Where have you gone, Chuck Bednarik"...— wvbillz
- Maclin just might be the best receiver on the team.— lefty1117
- After all these years of horrible challenges and you're telling me noone has been assigned to just review plays to be challenged....come on. I'm tired of hearing we need to be better from reid. LEARN FROM YOUR MISTAKES— philly thug
- Comment removed.
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- Dunta Ronbinson should be suspended for the year! This is at least his second offense! In both the hit on DJax and the hit on Macklin he led with his head. It was obvious. His arms were at his side, in no position to make a tackle. His head was high in order to make contact with the receiver's head. Robinson antics are exactly why there are so many concussions in the NFL. If the NFL doesn't stop him, would be happy to be the ambulance chaser who brings the case agaisnt the NFL after a player is seriously hurt, paralyzed or killed by one of his head shots. The NFL is on notice about Dunta Robinson. His hits are the subject of national network replays. They better do something about him now or pull out their checkbooks and write an 8 figure check when he seriously injures or kills someone.— bluebellious
- Class act. Yes, he should have caught that final pass but Maclin didn't lose that game all by himself. There's plenty of blame to go around.— Birdman in Bearland
