DeSean: Eagles ready for "hot streak"
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
DeSean: Eagles ready for "hot streak"
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
DeSean Jackson is quietly having his finest season in the NFL.
The breathtaking plays have been few and far between, but that hasn't necessarily been the fault of the Pro Bowl wide receiver. The Eagles offense has sputtered for most of the first six games, partly because of a banged up offensive line, mostly because of Michael Vick and the unit's 17 turnovers, and entirely because there hasn't been cohesion.
Jackson said that he thinks the offense is poised to turn things around Sunday when the Eagles host the 6-0 Falcons.
"This year it's been an uphill battle. We've been shooting ourselves in the foot -- doing good, having so much success and then turning the ball over," Jackson told The Inquirer Friday. "This week after a bye week we usually come back and play well and go on a hot streak. Hopefully, all the bad stuff is out of us -- the turnovers and all the other nonsense."
The Eagles under Andy Reid are 13-0 the week after the bye. For most of those seasons, the coach had an explosive offense to rely on. The Eagles finished in the top 12 in scoring in ten of Reid's 13 previous seasons. This season, though, the Birds are averaging a third-worst-in-the-NFL 17.2 points a game.
Jackson has only one touchdown this season, but he's getting open and, most important, he's making the catches. He doesn't have one drop and has 29 catches for 465 yards, numbers that would project to a career-best 77 receptions for 1,240 yards.
"Honestly, I'm just on path to do what I neesd to do and continue to help this team anyway possible," Jackson said. "I think that's been a big focus for me this year, and, really, every year since I've been here. In regards to my stats, it's still disappointing to have a record of 3-3.
"I just try to carry over my energy and help the other guys on the team and let them feed off of that by making big plays. So I'm trying to be there when my number is called and even when my number is not called. That's just the biggest difference -- my mentality."
Jackson has been laying low for most of the season. Last season, he was a lightning rod when he let his contract situation distract him from the business at hand. He got his extension in the off-season, however -- five years, $51 million -- and appears to be playing with the right frame of mind.
Jackson could be tested Sunday against former teammate Asante Samuel. Does he expect to line up opposite the Falcons cornerback?
"I'm sure, I'm sure," said Jackson, who said he spoke with Samuel before the bye. "He knows me very well. He knows this offense very well having been here the past four years."
Jackson was reminded that the Eagles know Samuel's tendencies, as well.
"Hopefully, the coaches dial some things up to help us take advantage of the things he likes to do," Jackson said.
All of the Super Bowl contenders have #1 Wide Receivers that weigh 159 pounds.— guyguy4- We'll gets a "HOT STREAK" one way or another. A winning one is the preferred way but if we don't wins then we be roasting Andy on a rotisserie for a different kinds of "HOT STREAK".
— DarnelX - You don't need to be big when you're Jackson-fast. Vick has overthrown him on multiple occasions when DeSean got behind the coverage. Like his mentality this year and the fact the he's catching passes over the middle.— gho_matt
- Three subs starting on the O-line. They'll be lucky to complete a WR screen to him.
This game will probably be can't look bad.— banned - same eagles games, seasons, quotes and "analysis" EVERY. SINGLE. YEAR. ....need a new philosophy for drafting and talent evaluation. we are too small and soft in too many areas. walk away reid. please.— drumminge6
- YOU ARE CORRECT. BUT, CALLING THESE PLAYERS "too small" IS AN INSULT TO SHORT PEOPLE. THEY STINK. REGARDING "drafting" LETS REMIND THE KOOL-AID DRINKERS OF ANDY REID'S FAILURES IN APRIL OF 2010 AND 2011. OR, AS IS COMMONLY KNOWN AROUND THE NFL, THE 2 WORST DRAFTS IN SUCCESSION IN THE HISTORY OF THE NFL:
2011
Rnd Name College Note
1 Danny Watkins Baylor
2 Jaiquawn Jarrett Temple
3 Curtis Marsh Utah State
4 Casey Matthews Oregon
4 Alex Henery Nebraska
5 Dion Lewis Pittsburgh
5 Julian Vandervelde Iowa
6 Ronald Johnson USC
6 Jason Kelce Cincinnati
6 Brian Rolle Ohio State
7 Greg Lloyd Connecticut
7 Stanley Havili USC
2010
Rnd Name College Note
1 Brandon Graham Michigan
2 Nate Allen South Florida
3 Daniel Te'o-Nesheim Washington
4 Trevard Lindley Kentucky
4 Keenan Clayton Oklahoma
4 Mike Kafka Northwestern
4 Clay Harbor Missouri State
5 Ricky Sapp Clemson
5 Riley Cooper Florida
6 Charles Scott LSU
7 Jamar Chaney Mississippi State
7 Jeff Owens Georgia
7 Kurt Coleman Ohio State— bedpan - Do you believe that Daniel Teo is playing for Tampa. I had the game on Thursday and I heard his name. Could not believe it. I pulled up his stats and he has 14 tackles and a sack. No worse than our starters making the big bucks. Just thinking, maybe its the coaching. Look at Clemsons in Seattle after he left here. How about Babin when he left here, and went to Tennesse. And there are many others. I am still of the opinion if Riley Cooper went to a team like New England with Brady, they would use him a lot better than here. — watsonmr
- This comment has been deleted.— CoettaGarner25
- coetta, THOSE 25 PICKS ALONE ARE REASON ENOUGH FOR LURIE TO FIRE REID. THESE ARE PICKS MADE BY AN INCOMPETENT THAT NEEDS TO BE FIRED. — bedpan
- The Eagles despite their early season woes are going to win the superbowl this year. You heard it here first.— Zeru
- Never seen a team that constantly touts it owns greatness before showing it on the field of play as these Eagles teams of 2011 and 2012. What is going on with this self delusion from a ball that is 11-11 in its past 22 games ? It is a disgrace going over those 2 drafts and not finding one single IMPACT player from the bunch. Seriously how is the entire scouting department not pink slipped last year? Grigson gets rewarded with the Indy GM job no less, how does Andy do it ? How is he able to convince the entire NFL that this organization is well run ?— damrvrhunter
- Same old Dream Team and Dynasty Team...Wow...these players are dopes with big mouths.— Bob112
- Zeru,
With whose offensive line do they win the SB?— jerseyshorefan - bob i dont recall any player making any predictions so whats the dream team bs and all that for ..read the quote he didnt even say we were going on a hot streak he said usually after a bye so hopefully if they stop shooting themselves in the foot but the idiot writer puts it in like its a direct quote to garner a few more readers....so many eagles fans talking negative look at green bay etc wit the same record and no-one is ready to jump offa bridge get a grip people we hv ten games left...— positive eagle
- @positive eagle. You're missing the point! As a professional athlete, D-Jax should be of the mentality that it appears the Eagles should be ready for a "losing streak"! That's what these guys get paid for! ...oh wait :/
