Maclin may not be returning kicks/punts for long.


Sure it's only preseason, but averaging a muffed/dropped punt per game is not a good sign for a team's starting punt returner. Unfortunately, these are the numbers that Jeremy Maclin is currently carrying.

Maybe Maclin can do a DeSean and contribute on offense this year, but his camp hold-out does not make this fan confident that this statement becomes truth. Instead it's more likely that Maclin's greatest impact this season will come on special teams as a punt returner. His speed should equal many explosive returns (see the ball, catch the ball, and THEN run).

But it's still preseason so I am not overly worried about the kid. I am, however, worried that special teams coordinator Ted Daisher is floating the idea of putting Jackson back as a punt returner on Thursday night against the Jags. Jackson is a #1 WR.

With Westbrook still battling back from injury Jackson is the Eagles top offensive weapon. Such a player should not be risking injury returning punts in a meaningless preseason game. I do not want to see DeSean being the next injury casualty this off season.

Jackson as a punt returner should be viewed the same as Westrbook being a punt returner. Put #10 back there in dire situations only.

So come on Maclin, showcase those hands and skills this Thursday. Make the idea of Jackson returning punts an afterthought. Let our #1 WR concentrate on catching the ball from McNabb and not from the opposing punter.