As Eagles rookie receiver Jordan Matthews tries to replace DeSean Jackson in Philly, one of the guys who authored the controversial gang-ties article about Jackson has compared Matthews to another former Philly receiver whose tenure and departure were far more notorious.
Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com recently compared Matthews to Terrell Owens.
“Like Owens, Matthew stands 6-foot-3,” Shorr-Parks writes. “Also like Owens, Matthews is known for being a hard worker and a workout nut. Throw in the fact that they both wear No. 81, and it is hard not to think it is Owens out there catching passes during Eagles practices.”
Shorr-Parks writes that the similarities end when it’s time to talk to Matthews. In part because, unlike many receivers, Matthews doesn’t have much to say.
“Those who talk the most know the least,” Matthews said. Shorr-Parks says Matthews wasn’t talking about Owens, but Matthews easily could have been. Along with the rest of the diva receivers who seek out attention merely for the sake of it.
Specifically, Matthews also doesn’t want to talk much about his methods.
“I don’t like to reveal any secrets, but I try to be one of the first guys in” Matthews said regarding his typical arrival at the practice facility. “I don’t got Vanderbilt classes no more. [Editor’s note: That sound you hear is the simultaneous cringing of every Vanderbilt graduate, living or dead.] It’s a lot easier. All I got to do is worry about football.”
It seems to be working. Shorr-Parks writes that Matthews has looked good on the practice field, making catches in coverage and establishing chemistry with backup quarterback Mark Sanchez.
Ultimately, Matthews needs to develop chemistry with starting quarterback Nick Foles. Presumably not with a tearful claim of “that’s my quarterback” during a post-game press conference.
