Matthews Continues To Impress At Training Camp
By Ed Benkin
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The 2014 NFL was considered to be a deep one for wide receivers. LeSean McCoy believes the Eagles may have picked the best of the bunch.
Jordan Matthews went to the Eagles in the second round. Despite being the ninth receiver picked overall in the draft, Matthews has the look of a top pick so far in training camp.
"Matthews is looking real good," said McCoy. "I think there's been a lot of talk of this draft class being deep at wide receiver, but I'm real confident of this one being the best out of that class."
Matthews has mostly been running with the second team at training camp. The Eagles have Jeremy Maclin and Riley Cooper locked in as their top two outside receivers with Brad Smith working in the slot. However, injuries to Cooper and Maclin have given Matthews the chance to run with top unit in recent days. The rookie says he is more concerned about his performance than what unit he runs with during practice.
"I really don't worry about any of that stuff," Matthews said. "When I go watch the film, most of the time during this preseason time I'm going to watch myself at practice to make sure I'm doing things I need to get better for myself."
Matthews may see time with the top unit on Friday when the Eagles take on the Bears in Chicago. Riley Cooper continues to be sidelined with a foot injury and his status for Friday's game is in question. Jeremy Maclin sat out much of Tuesday's practice with soreness in his leg, but Maclin says he will be ready to play on Friday.
"It's just a little soreness," said Maclin."It's not a big deal. I just wasn't 100%. I'll be able to play Friday."
Maclin is eager to get back on the field Friday after missing last season with a knee injury. Matthews is also excited about the battle with the Bears as he gets his first taste of NFL action in the preseason.
"The biggest thing I want to do for the first game is show up on film," Matthews said. "As a rookie, that's what they always say. You get looks and you go out there and make plays. You just want to show up on film and be a viable option for your quarterback and make plays as they come."
Whatever Matthews is able to accomplish on Friday, players such as McCoy are already convinced the rookie is ready for the season.
"The kid can run like a deer," said McCoy. "He's strong and physical. He works extremely hard, and that's all you can ask from a player like that. I'm sure he'll make some damage."
Cornerback Nolan Carroll sat out practice for a second straight day on Tuesday due to an undisclosed injury.
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