DeSean: It's a relief
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
DeSean: It's a relief
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
DeSean Jackson didn't exactly say it was "about time" the Eagles made the move to trade Donovan McNabb, but he did come close and he did emphasize how the last few months of rumors involving the Eagles quarterbacks had affected the rest of the team.
"My first thought was -- not to say, "About time" -- but just sitting around with just the rumors ... it was just kind of tough for the team," Jackson said. "Not knowing who was going to be here and who was going to stay. It's almost kind of a relief to know what we have here and just to go forward."
There was a perception out there that Jackson led the brigade of younger players looking to move on from McNabb and have Kolb as their leader.
"I don't know why anybody would think that," Jackson said. "Whatever the case was, if McNabb would have stayed another year ... that's not my decision."
The Eagles have had a lot of turnover this off-season, mostly discarding older players for younger ones. Guard Todd Herremans said that he thought the team now had a certain swagger about it. Jackson reiterated that sentiment.
"I see us as the young guns, coming in and taking advantage of a lot of geat opportunities in Philadelphia," Jackson said. "We're here for the long haul."
Jackson, Herremans, tight end Brent Celek and wide receiver Jeremy Maclin said that they didn't think the younger Eagles would have to naturally take a step back next season. Jackson said that the young core group of offensive players would be "able to relate to each other" more under Kolb.
Several of the players interviewed, including Kolb, said that they were surprised the Eagles traded McNabb to the Redskins.
"It definitely did catch me off guard," Jackson said.
Earlier, Michael Vick said that he would accept being Kolb's backup. He reiterated that he wants to start, but said that he would be a good soldier and help Kolb with his development.
Poll: Will McNabb haunt the Eagles?
when has a young team ever one the superbowl? superbowls are won by teams that are mostly veterens with a mixture of young players. what happend to leadership and experience?— eaglesfan in DC- Dudes, this politically correct chatter is starting to concern me. It's like "survivor" mentality. Little alliances and fear for ones own well being doesn't create good team morale. I am not feeling great about this. So when the eagles draft new young guys to fill in the holes are they going to be indoctrinated to this mentality? The brass have unwittingly created an atmosphere of paranoia. "the lottery" is an appropriate read.— algebrat
- The Kolb era has started, just show 5 some thanks and respect. He deserves it...— phigglesfan75
Comment removed.- Comment removed.
- DeSean: Careful what you say. You'll come to learn that Philly is a racist town, no matter what they say! This town disrespected Donovan from the second it was announced in the draft that he was coming here. Be watchful that you are not the next victim. I love the Eagles, but I hope the Redskins kick their butts. Andy Reid should have left with Donovan!! Shame on Philadelphia!— splinter01
- Lets hope Reid makes some progress himself. He'll get Kolb killed with som eof the bone headed play calls McNabb endured. Will the Eagles finally get serious about rushing the football-or-will Kolb be subjected to incessant pass rushing like McNabb was most of the time. Time will tell---it always does.— Smashmouth
- Lone wolf you are such a looser. You hated McNabb and now that hes gone your hating Kolb. Go back in your moms basement you looser.— phillybruce
- @ lonewolf - arm strength? c'mon son, kolb's first td was a 70 plus yarder to jackson against the current super bowl champs. as a die hard (not blow hard) fan living thousands and thousands of miles from philly, i have to say that dutch's accuracy and tendency to throw 200 mile an hour bullets to guys standing within five yards bothered me at times. that said, with the exception of red's sometimes unbelievably horrible play calling/clock management, i wouldn't change a thing over the past 11 years... thanks donnie mac, looking forward to the week 2 monday night game!— philly2cz
- Well..okay....lets see how this one pans out!!!..Mike gonna help with Kolb's development...hummmm...???..swagger..hummm???...stagger??— teech
- For all of McNabbs defenders, he also has also rubbed many people the wrong way. Looking at the makeup of the roster now, Kolb has more in common with this current group than McNabb does. That Super Bowl group is gone now; and it was also McNabbs time to leave if the are remaking the roster. I don't expect the Eagles to challange for the Super Bowl this year with Kolb, but I didn't expect it last year with McNabb, because those 11 wins were very deceiving. They didn't beat any good teams. As far as arm strength, Montana did not have great arm strength, but what he had was accuracy to hit receivers in stride and leadership.— watsonmr
- thats funny stuff lonewolf... i said it before that you really don't care, you just like to be at the center of the argument... your statements are too full of bs to actually be a real train of thought...— JMick1215
- The young bucks are the future and I can't wait to see the REAL West Coast offense finally. I think we'll see some exciting football with the exciting Phillies baseball we have in Philly. GO EAGLES!!— walt1
- WOW.....now all of a sudden Kolb's arm is too weak to throw the deep ball and Vick should get a chance to start?!? Loanwuss you have GOT to be kidding me, you're such a joke....my man— ajbrown2005
- Next year,two from Wyoming.A offensive tackle,315 lbs,kirven and a safety,prozinski.Both are 100% at their positions.,Maybe 3 or 4 round but worth a scouting this coming season.Prozinski is a "white" Dawkins.Hard hitter,3rd in the nation in tackles— hatborojerry
