Maclin's first day, more from Lurie
Jeremy Maclin’s first day of workouts since missing nine days while contract negotiations dragged on was uneventful.
Maclin's first day, more from Lurie
Les Bowen, Daily News Staff Writer
Jeremy Maclin’s first day of workouts since missing nine days while contract negotiations dragged on was uneventful.
Maclin seemed to be in good shape.
Maclin made some nice catches in 1-on-1 drills, nabbed a low TD throw in the back of the end zone with Jack Ikegwuounu draped over him, and fielded punts, along with DeSean Jackson and Danny Amendola.
Given that he has missed a lot of the offensive installation, his time during the full-team periods yesterday morning was limited. Maclin spent a lot of time conferring with wideouts coach David Culley.
"He was telling me what I'm doing and coaching me up after every snap," Maclin said. "I'm excited, excited to be out here."
Here are some other highlights from Jeff Lurie's annual state of the team address:
On whether he looks at the past ten years as a success or if he still feels as though he has not succeeded because they have not won a Super Bowl:
“I look at it both ways. I am obviously really proud of the success; it’s rare in the sport. But, until we win a Super Bowl, I don’t really go there very much. Granted, you’ve got to have a lot of luck and good health and the bounce of the ball when you’re in the final eight and the final four, that’s kind of what it’s all about there. On any given day in those playoffs, anybody can emerge. When the Patriots beat the Rams, nobody gave them a chance. Arizona almost won the Super Bowl last year. I can say for myself, obviously proud, the decade has been amazing but, I want the future to be filled with championships.”
On whether bad luck has kept them from winning a Super Bowl:
“If I knew the answer I think I would be smarter than I am. It’s who’s healthy and who’s playing great in January and February—some key plays— and that is what it is. It’s so hard to get there. The hardest part, clearly, is getting to the final four. We’ve been able to do that five of the last eight years, it’s unheard of. But that opportunity to bring home a championship to our amazing fans is what is in front of us and that’s what we’ve got to do.”
On whether he has any concerns about the future of the NFL:
“I can’t really talk about the collective bargaining process. Except, to say that it’s an opportunity for the owners and the players to create an even better system that will allow the sport to grow and allow the fans to enjoy the sport in an ever-increasing fashion. That’s the goal. That’s the goal of it and that has to play itself out, but otherwise I can’t comment on that.”
On how much emphasis he puts on character when considering signing or drafting a player:
“We put a tremendous emphasis on character. There are many times [when] we will pass a player in the draft room that is a terrific physical talent. Character is so important that I really attribute it to when you are suffering in the middle of the season - very few teams have 15-1 seasons or 16-0 seasons - you are going to have periods where you’re down. Your momentum is down, whether it’s the offense, it might be the defense, it might be overall. It’s character players that bring you out of that lull. Last year was the greatest example of all. I think it does translate to success. It’s worked for us. I know we’ve had the best record in the NFC this decade and I really attribute it to having a very high character group of players.”
On who he sees as the leaders of the team:
“I don’t want to name names but I think it’s obvious to you guys. In the conference call we had after Jim died, I mentioned several names on defense. It’s obvious. Every year it becomes obvious and if it’s not in August it becomes obvious by September and October. It’s the guys that are also playing well. It’s not just leadership by being on the bench it’s the guys that really emerge as your impact players and you see that all over the place.”
Pedal to the metal— pflynn20
Comment removed.- Mr. Lurie, the intent of this letter is to thank you. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for being the best owner in Philly sports history. Contrary to what most fans write about you and your organization, I believe you have provided Eagles fans with the best 10-12 years we have ever seen. Prior to you purchasing the team back on May 6, 1994 , We (yes, We the Eagles) were under the control of Norman Braman, whose 10 year ownership included exaclty one playoff win. His tenure as owner was marred in mediocrity. From 1985-1994, the Eagles were able to win the NFC East exactly one time. In fact, during your tenure the Eagles have won the division 5 times. Perhaps Eagles Fans should look up how many times they did that prior to your administration. Since 1933... (Only 5 other times... 1947, 1948, 1949, 1980 & 1988). Thank you for purchasing the team and getting rid of Norman Braman.— phillyinATL
- Thx PhillyinATL, class posting.— bbohannon
- Cont'd: The Braman philosophy of ownership was by all accounts, rediculous. His underpaying philosophy resulted in First Round Draft Hold-outs, just about every year. Since you bought the team only two draft pick missed any extended pre-season time (Corey Simon) and of course Maclin this year. During the Braman admin, free-agency had just begun to take shape. Perhaps you have heard of a Legend named Reggie White. He was the most dominant player in Philadelphia Eagles history. During his eight years in Philly he accumulated 124 sacks. In 1993, he left via Free Agency. Not because he was a 36 year old, one-step too slow safety. But because ownership was too shortsighted to see that this guy had 8-10 years left of menacing, dominant football in the tank. Thank you for not being Norman Braman.— phillyinATL
- The Philadelphia Eagles are one of the best-run franchises in all of pro sports. The past ten years places them in the top three or four in the NFL, and their level of success this decade rivals that of most of the top teams in any pro sports league. And the one variable that changed the franchise; the one thing that set all of the success in motion was the emergence of Jeffrey Lurie as majority owner. The franchise changed from top to bottom, with the quality of coaches, the quality of players at every position, and the cohesiveness of the entire unit. And it cannot be over-emphasized that the Eagles have flipped their roster entirely at least three times since Andy Reid has been here, all without any prolonged "rebuilding" process. Their down seasons reflect injuries at key positions and not rebuilding pains. Jeff Lurie makes all that possible. Will this era leave us a little empty if no championship is won? Sure. But it will still be the best stretch of success in Eagles history. COLT McCOY 2010!— montgomeryhopkins
- " best owner in Philly sports history" this takes away, slightly, from an otherwise fine post.... No need to overstate. He's probably the most consistent owner of the Birds and maybe the best but how about the Sixers ownership in the 60s and the Flyers in the 70s?. Who was the owner when the Eagles last won a championship? And who was the linebacker whos play capped that game?— Warhound
- "The hardest part, clearly, is getting to the final four" - really mr. lurie?? thats the hardest part, not winning a super bowl?? maybe thats why andy's team always gives up after making it to the conference championship game.— FireAndyReid
- WHO? Bert Bell and Lud Wray? And do you mean Concrete Charlie? Come on man...— phillyinATL
- I pretty much agree with you in Atl. I just feel compelled to call out people who overstate things (it's a weakness). I don't know who the owner(s) were in 1960 but they did win a chmpnshp. Of course Concrete Charlie was the guy whos play ended the game. I don't think you can call Lurie the best owner(s) in Philly sports history - what about the ownership group that built what many believe to be the best NBA team ever? However, I do think a lot of people bash Lurie unfairly.— Warhound
