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Pro Sports Wrap - Sports Personality of the Day:Tony Romo

Jeremy Maclin is better than DeSean Jackson

December 3rd 2011 15:05
I don't want to make this an "I told you so" post, but I really did. It was a long time ago when I made the bold statement that Jeremy Maclin is the better receiver than DeSean Jackson. A few of you readers agreed with me, but most of you called me an idiot for saying this. Sure Jackson can make the big play, but he is extremely inconsistent, and Maclin is also capable of making a big play. And plus, Maclin doesn't drop as many passes and is far more consistent.


Last year, when both receivers were actually healthy, Jackson caught just 49% of the passes thrown at him. He did, however, average 22.5 yards per catch; and his ability as a deep threat is the only reason why he had such a great year in 2010. And even then, Jackson's season was overrated, as he is a very one-dimensional player. The only asset he brings to the table is speed, and the arm of Michael Vick is the reason why he is able to haul in these long passes. That's not saying he's a bad player, because Jackson is a good receiver. However, he isn't great, and those who believe he is a top ten receiver are crazy.

This season, Jackson has gone deeper more but is averaging less yards per reception (16.2). He is, however, catching 53.1% of the passes thrown at him and has still been able to average 8.6 yards per target. However, yards per target favors those who go deep more often. Maclin, on the other hand, has impressed me by having a 67.6% catch rate despite playing with injuries. It doesn't matter what you use, because both the advanced statistics and general scouting say that Jeremy Maclin is the better receiver. This isn't a reaction to this season, it's basically a reminder that Maclin is the better, more consistent receiver.


This whole post isn't going to be about a battle between two receivers, because I like to cover two points in my Football Talk posts. The Chicago Bears have yet to extend Matt Forte, but they have extended their best player at a different position; wide receiver.

Earl Bennett was given a four-year deal worth $18 million ($4.5 million per year), and he has a good rapport with quarterback Jay Cutler. In fact, he's Cutler's go-to-guy and the QB connects with Bennett much better than he does with the other receivers on the team.

He's the team's most consistent receiver and has led the Bears in catch rate during the past two seasons. Bennett is versatile and can split out wide or man the slot, and he is averaging 9.5 yards per target this season. Although Johnny Knox is averaging 11.7 yards per target, he only catches 52.8% of what is thrown at him and goes deep 43.4% of the time.

The Bears obviously need to get a deal done with Forte, because he's one of the best backs in the league and also has a big impact in the passing game. Not only that, but he is one of the few backs who can excel in front of a subpar run blocking unit. The Bears are arguably the worst pass blocking team in the NFL, but their run blocking isn't quite as bad (it's still bad though). Anyway, re-signing Bennett was a smart move, and it didn't take a whole lot of money to do it.
Re-signed for $4.5 million per year
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5 Comments. [ Add A Comment ]

Comment by Anonymous

December 3rd 2011 15:44
hate it when stupid bloggers that noone cares about brag about how they were right when what they said is wrong and stupid. maclin over jackson? your retarded for sure, have you seen jackson play? do you watch football? idiot. maclin is alright, but jackson is a boss and blows by everyone. he can catch better than maclin. then bennett sucks, waste of money dont need him should have extended forte. you obviously know nothing and u act like your so gteat bc u said something u think is originla but its not, a lot of dumb bloggers say it and you just follow them. theres no analysis onthis site, just some idiot like you talkin bout crap u dont know

Comment by lamar

December 3rd 2011 17:04
glad u posted new article and imma huge eagles fan so love the theme. disagree with the hatin anon up there, maclin is a little better than djax but not as much as u make it out 2 b joe. dont kno bennett tha well but hope tha forte gets resigned. looked up bennett, seems solid based on ur stats 2 so a solid move 4 a solid player. ill try 2 comment sumtimes on ur blog, i like it better after dis post, last post was aite but love the whole wr theme.

Comment by Jimmer

December 3rd 2011 21:36
I really like the Earl Bennett extension. Maclin is better than Jackson because Jackson doesn't even try to play. He looks disinterested. Good article, advanced stats were interesting. I read some of your older posts. They were good as well. You are more of a scouting guy so happy to see use of metrics people don't talk abotu as much. Foudn this link checking and is a captivating read.

Comment by Joe Soriano

December 4th 2011 07:56
Thanks Jimmer, and Maclin is better than Jackson when you look past fantasy football and highlight reels. Who cares if Jackson gets all the deep balls (dirty joke)? You have to look at other skills such as route-running, actually getting open when bracketed, and the plain ability to catch the football. Maclin is no slouch on deep routes either, but he can also succeed on intermediate routes.

Comment by Jacquez

December 4th 2011 17:35
I totally agree with your post, i think he is much better.

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