PHILADELPHIA — Almost like clockwork, Eagles rookie wide receiver Jordan Matthews saw a dramatic rise in his production as soon as Mark Sanchez took over for injured quarterback Nick Foles three weeks ago.

However, Matthews credits his recent success on something different and far less tangible than a quarterback change.

"I think it's around this time when the game really does start slowing down for you," Matthews said after Thursday's practice. "I asked [Eagles tight end] Zach [Ertz]; 'when did the game start slowing down for you, when did you start feel like you were back in college again?' He told me it was around Week 8 or Week 9.

"That's really come to fruition for me this year. I'm just continuing to try and get comfortable. I'll never say 'hey, I've arrived, I'm here now,' when that happens I'll need to take a step back. I feel like I'm still chasing after it and trying to get better each week."

It's a testament to Matthews' work ethic -- as well as a reflection of the fact that the Eagles eased him into extended playing time -- that his output has dramatically increased at a point in the season when many other rookies have spoken in the past about hitting the proverbial wall.

"It's just later in the year," Eagles head coach Chip Kelly said was the biggest reason for Matthews' sudden surge. "So it's not who was in or who wasn't in. I think it's more that Jordan is a lot more comfortable, and you can see it as he runs around here and prepares each week, he's a lot more comfortable kind of in his role and what he has to do.

"You know, we're 10 games in now and he's got that wealth of experience from OTAs, training camp, now 10 games into the season. I think he's just feeling a lot more comfortable in terms of what he's doing."

Matthews has become the Eagles second-most prolific receiver over the past two games behind Jeremy Maclin catching 17 passes for 245 yards and three touchdowns combined against the Carolina Panthers and Green Bay Packers.

On the season, Matthews has 44 receptions for 558 yards and six touchdowns.

The Eagles' second-round choice out of Vanderbilt in May's NFL Draft credits his time with the Commodores when he was the top wide receiver on the depth chart, drawing matchups against some of the best cornerbacks in the country for becoming the player he is today.

"Whenever you go from a situation when you're the focal point and everyone's watching you to somewhere where you're maybe the fifth best option on an offense full of great players it's easy to sneak around and try to get some plays in there," Matthews said. "It's still the NFL. You're still going to play against some of the greatest in the league.

"I think playing against that competition in the SEC week in and week out definitely equipped me to be able to come in here and handle any of those pressures that may come with the NFL."

Matthews' preparation is evident on a daily bases. Whether it's taking extra reps with quarterback Mark Sanchez after practice, finishing off plays during training camp and running into the end zone after each catch or simply the way he interacts with his teammates, there's a certain maturity the rookie already possesses in his first NFL season.

"I think our slot receiver, Jordan Matthews, has done a really good job," Eagles head coach Chip Kelly said this week. "He was a prepared guy coming in. That's one thing we felt about him when you saw him from the jump, you know, how mature he was as an individual, thought he could make an impact inside, and we really wanted to get bigger at the receiver position because of matchups in 1-on-1 situations. I think Jordan has done a really good job."

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