Jackson: I'm the "spark" on this team
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
Jackson: I'm the "spark" on this team
Jonathan Tamari
It wasn't as giddy as last year, when it seemed like the Eagles had just won a championship, but there was joy in the Birds locker room for the first time in weeks as players talked about finding resilience, despite giving up a tying score and a big Giants play. Here's some of their reaction.
The big news looking forward is concern about DeSean Jackson, who had a walking boot on his right foot and said he had a sprain, but didn't specify which body part was injured (he had been checked for a concussion and knee injury during the game, according to the Eagles). Jackson said he'll be "alright."
"When I was out there running around, a player stepped on my foot, so it’s kind of a sprain," he said.
Jackson mostly wanted to talk about his big game: a 51-yard punt return to set up one score, a big third down conversion to set up the winning touchdown and six catches for 88 yards. All coming a week after he was benched for missing a team meeting.
"I'm a firm believer in kind of putting everything behind yourself in life. Things happen sometimes, unfortunately, but I've just got to be a professional about the situation and I was able to do that," Jackson said.
"I really let my team down. For myself what I love to do is come out here and help this team win games," he continued. "The playmaker ability, just the spark, the energy I'm able to bring to this team, people don't really understand the light that I bring and just kind of shine on my teammates."
Jackson was one of several Eagles talking about the big fourth quarter drive and defensive stand to seal the game.
"The fourth quarter spoke a lot for itself, and we were able to just put it together," Jackson said. "The defense did a good job of just giving us a chance."
Vince Young threw three interceptions, but was on target when the game was on the line.
"It helps when you have a quarterback who can come out here and do certain plays and really not cost us in a bad way, that’s what we ask for," Jackson said.
Young admitted to having some "little jitters" early on. Sunday was the 365th day since his last start. When the Giants tied the game late, his goal was to "stay poised."
"Just wanted to take it one play at a time, that's pretty much what we were saying on the sideline," Young said.
One of the biggest plays was a spectacular Jason Avant catch on a second-and-16, picking up 13 yards to set up a makeable third down that the Eagles converted.
"Oh my god," Young said when asked about the catch. "He is one of the guys that has the kind of drive to keep the team going ... he is one of the best slot guys in the league right now."
Riley Cooper talked about the interception that was intended for him -- he said he didn't see the throw because it was in the lights and didn't go up for it -- adding "I was glad I could redeem myself" on the game winning score.
"I was the first read," on the touchdown. "It was just a slant from the inside, it was off coverage and he was head up and I just stuck him off the top and Vince put it right there."
The Giants threatened to tie the game with a long drive, but Jason Babin stripped Eli Manning and Derek Landri recovered. Babin credited the linebackers and secondary for taking away Manning's first read and forcing him to move.
"I just kept hustling and thankfully I was in the right place to make a play," Babin said. "It's definitely a good feeling."
Vote: Grade the Eagles' performance Poll: Are you confident in Young after Sunday's win?
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"People don't understand the light that I bring and just kind of shine on my teammates." LOL -- Best. Quote. Ever.— dtrain67- A lot of good attitude evident in the player's post-game reactions (DeSean's "all about me" comments notwithstanding).
Landri made a mistake by trying to be opportunistic on the Manning fumble - he should have just plopped on the ball; could have been a near disaster if he didn't come up with it.— Mr. Magee - His quaote - "just the spark" is not the same thing as your headline "I'm the "spark" on the team". He made plays and helped the team get a win. He also made a mistake with taunting - that came after the play. I've never seen that ruled as a penalty that wipes out the catch. Still the headline seems like you're trying to create a new controversy.— rickm
DeSean should watch tape on Barry Sanders just so he could see how a star brings light to his teammates without costing them.— bigcityballer- DeSean is a immature clown...get rid of this guy after the season. He still hasn't figured it out...will never be a superstar. Agree with bigcityballer. What is with all of the showboating and celebrating with this team...last time I checked they are 4-6 and a long shot to make the playoffs. They act like they have the division wrapped up and are guaranteed a post season spot. Just go out and play football.— desertduck31
- NO doubts the kid can spark a team when it needs one, but the problem with jackson is, he'll toss a bucket of water on that spark by doing something stupid right after.— PhillyFanSouth
Comment removed.- this kid just does not get it...— Big_Omar
- DeSean makes it so hard to like him. He certainly can do things on the field that no other receiver can, but doesn't do enough of the other things to make it worthwhile in keeping him around.— SilliBilli
- the kid wants the spotlight reserved for nasty vick, nothing wrong w/that.— bucky95
- His light comment reminds me of Keyshawn running his mouth about being a star and saying Wayne Chrebet was just a flash light in comparison to him.... so now I guess we wait for him to right just give me the D#&^ ball part 2?— dminyon
- His light comment reminds me of Keyshawn running his mouth about being a star and saying Wayne Chrebet was just a flash light in comparison to him.... so now I guess we wait for him to right just give me the D#&^ ball part 2?— dminyon
- The real reason Desean's foot is sore is from constantly putting in his mouth. Pull the plug on this immature man-child & send him on his way.— narkose3535
- The guy has tremendous talent, but the showboating, poor judgment and narcissism make him a net liability. I say send him on his way and spend the money on a football player instead of a "personality."— Rickinlanc
- The headline is truly false compared to what was actually said.— PhillyFanSouth
