DeSean Jackson Making His Mark
Eagles Rookie Receiver Making Early-Season Statement
Sep 17, 2008 Justin Harrington
When Jackson was drafted into the Eagles system he was being marked as the third or fourth receiver behind starters Reggie Brown and Kevin Curtis and reserve Hank Baskett. But when both Brown and Curtis went down with injuries, Jackson was thrust into a starting role and has been impressive so far. Playing with Donovan McNabb, the Eagles quarterback who is trying to revive his injury-plagued career of late, Jackson has provided a spark at the wide receiver position that they've been lacking since Terrell Owens left.
No "Rookie Jitters" for Jackson
In Jackson's first week of regular season NFL play against the St. Louis Rams he caught 6 passes for a game-high 106 yards, including a 47-yard reception, as the Eagles crushed the Rams 38-3. He also gave the Eagles some much-needed help on special teams as their punt returner and saw plenty of action against the Rams returning 8 punts, including one for 60 yards that set up an eventual field goal. His 200+ all-purpose yards were a record for a rookie wide receiver.
Jackson Experiences the Ultimate Rivalry
In only his second week of NFL action, Jackson was in the middle of one of the league's biggest rivalries on the biggest stage as Philadelphia traveled to Dallas to take on the Cowboys on Monday Night Football. Of course there was the storyline of McNabb and Owens (one that will never die), but here also was Jackson, a rookie receiver with big potential looking to make a statement in the post-Owens era of the Eagles. And he definitely made a statement in the second quarter when his quickness allowed him to sneak behind the Cowboys defence and catch a long pass from McNabb. He had a clear path to the end zone and a sure 61-yard touchdown when he abruptly tossed the ball behind him to celebrate his first NFL score. The refs initially ruled it a touchdown but a review showed that Jackson had actually released the ball on the one-yard line and it was subsequently recorded as a fumble. Luckily for Jackson, running back Brian Westbrook ran the ball in for the score on the next play. Regardless of the mistake, Jackson still had a stellar game that saw him catch 6 passes for 110 yards. He became the first player since 1940 to record over 100 receiving yards in each of his first two games.
The Future Looks Bright(er)
With Brown questionable for next week's game and Curtis expected to be on the sidelines until at least October, Jackson will remain a fixture at wide receiver for the Eagles. Even when the two veteran receivers return it might not be an attractive decision to move Jackson down the depth chart. He has provided an exciting passing option for McNabb, who is showing that he's fully recovered from his last injury and is capable of still dazzling fans with his pocket scrambling and strong arm. It may be too early to tell but the future looks a little brighter with Jackson in the fold.
Latest Articles