DeSean Jackson says Chip Kelly plans to use him like De'Anthony Thomas
Want to know how Chip Kelly intends to use DeSean Jackson? Hop on YouTube and type in the name "De'Anthony Thomas."
DeSean Jackson says Chip Kelly plans to use him like De'Anthony Thomas
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
NEW ORLEANS – Want to know how Chip Kelly intends to use DeSean Jackson?
Hop on YouTube and type in the name “De'Anthony Thomas.”
Jackson, at the Super Bowl Media Center on Friday being whisked from one Radio Row interview to another, said that the new Eagles coach gave him an idea of how he plans to utilize him in his offense when they spoke a few weeks ago.
“Kind of similar to what DeAnthony Thomas was doing at Oregon. He’s like a little brother to me. I actually talked to him," Jackson said of Thomas. "He was passing on information to me, like I’m going to be pumped up and psyched to be in that offense. It just keeps defenses off guard any time you go in motion, fake play-action, go down the field. There’s just so many things you can do.”
Thomas is listed as a running back, but the Ducks junior-to-be is too versatile to be defined by one position. With Kelly as his coach for two seasons, he did it all – rushing, receiving, and returning, and already has 2,235 all-purpose yards.
Jackson and Thomas have much in common. They’re both fast, they’re both small (Jackson is listed 5-foot-10, 175 pounds; Thomas is a thicker 5-9, 173) and they’re both from Los Angeles. Jackson said Kelly told him to be prepared to have the ball in his hands more than usual, but other than that provided little detail.
“He called me and was very excited. I could tell in his voice,” Jackson said. “He was like, ‘Let me know when you’re back in Philly so we can just talk fact to face.’ I actually talked to Pat Shurmur. He was my coach when I first got to Philly. He’s excited, as well.”
The Eagles have not yet confirmed the hiring, but Shurmur will be the Eagles’ new offensive coordinator. Jackson said he had no idea if it would be Michael Vick, Nick Foles or some quarterback to be named throwing him passes next season.
“I think Vick is still capable of doing some great things, especially with Chip Kelly having that spread offense,” Jackson said. “We’ll see.”
Jackson’s Radio Row interviews were among the first ones he’s done since fracturing his ribs in late November against the Panthers. The receiver was placed on Injured Reserve and missed the final five games of the season.
Jackson, who said his ribs were “98 percent” healthy, said that it was difficult not playing out the season even though the losing continued and Andy Reid would end up being fired a day after the season ended.
“It was tough, but I just supported them the best I could throughout the situation,” Jackson said. “It was tough on everybody. I’m just looking forward to going out there this year and erasing everything.”
DeSean is capable, but is his body? He will get killed by big safeties and OLB's spying him...could be beautiful, he could end up on the 60 Day DL by Sept 15...— BirdinParadise- Guys like DeSean aren't designed for high volume use. They're bodies can't take it. They're best used when you need a big play or they're not being put in harm's way.— SteveS11
- Squizzy, your my kind of Magee!
In all seriousness, I don't see any reason why Jackson can't be to the Eagles what Welker is to the Patriots... But it is totally reasonable to question his durability at this point. I don't have any problem with him diving before hits, but he does need to bulk up if he wants to maximize his contribution.— Mr. Magee - Same old disgruntled Eagles fans...Anyway, I think DeSean should get the ball more ofen so let's see how Kelly makes it happen. The key will be solidifying the offensive line. Or else the QB (whoever it winds up being) will be on his back and Jackson will be running routes for nothing.— MrMiles1
- DUMP VICK....Vick is an old washed-up turn-over machine that LOST SEVEN GAMES IN A ROW....Kelly needs to START FRESH WITH A YOUNG QB that will grow with this team....DUMP VICK, he will not even last 3 games.— jim35
- Jackson is a blight on the Eagles. Kelly, what the he** are you thinking?— peacefrog33756
- You don't get rid of one of the 3 or 4 best offensive talents on your team because you're frustrated with last year. That was then, this is now. Expect them all to play with more urgency, because if they don't they won't play for Kelly for very long. They know that. The guys that can't play(24,23,42,29), yeah, you want them gone. The others have a shot at a whole new culture and a whole new coach. let's see what Kelly can do before everyone judges.— drbob1
- There are few perfect players in the league, and Jackson's not perfect either. But he is a good player who went out and played hard even before he had his contract. He risked a career-ending injury before he was set financially, and he deserves credit for that. Some of these posts describe his work ethic as if he were Randy Moss, and that is completely inaccurate and unfair.— GVF
- While it appropriate to questions Jackson's injury history and his dedication, he's almost exactly the same size as this Thomas kid that Kelly used so creatively in Oregon. With him, Maclin, McCoy (if he stays off Twitter) and maybe Bryce Brown, there's the makings of a pretty dynamic offense. Let's just wait and see. Guys been on the job just a couple of weeks.....— irhastings
- He's a cancer, trade him for a high quality safety.— pitzdidg
- Just wait until DeSean gets popped by a LB on one of these gimmick plays, see how he reacts to that. The dude is as soft as soft gets.— jbruder02
- There were some envious people who used to say Lynn Swann was "soft", too. Wonder if his Super Bowl rings and his bust at the HOF are "soft" also? — MagMGirl
- The Eagles have the WRs and RBs to run this system. We need a QB and a defense.— mish798798
- I thought the use might be part of a package to ship him to SF for Alex Smith— TomM
- gonna be interesting to say the least...i am actually optimistic...anything is better than the last 5 years with andy reid— briman
