DeSean supports Vick but thinks Foles is ready
DeSean Jackson has been down this road before -- stuck in the middle of a brewing quarterback controversy.
DeSean supports Vick but thinks Foles is ready
Jeff McLane
DeSean Jackson has been down this road before -- stuck in the middle of a brewing quarterback controversy.
The Eagles wide receiver said that he supports Michael Vick and that he thinks he is still an elite quarterback, but Jackson also had a very optimistic take on the Nick Foles that few have seen since the preseason. Andy Reid closed practice to the media after the opener and the rookie has been working as the scout team quarterback.
“Nick’s going to be a good quarterback," Jackson said this morning during a telephone interview with The Inquirer. "He does a great job at practicing with us when he goes against the first team defense, so that could actually prepare him if we had to [play him]."
There may not be an if if Andy Reid decides sometime in the very near future -- like today -- to bench Vick in favor of Foles. As of Monday, Vick was still the Eagles starting quarterback and neither player had been told of a change, according to sources close to the situation.
But Reid, as he has done for most of the season, said Sunday, following a 30-17 loss to the Falcons, that he was going to evaluate the position after watching film of the game. The unknown variable in Reid's evaluation is how Foles has been progressing.
"As far as games, I think he’s able to do it," Jackson said of Foles. "I think the sky’s the limit for him. He’s a talented player. He just hasn’t really gotten that opportunity, as far as this season. We’ll just see how it goes."
It should be noted that Jackson once gave a similar response -- "the sky's the limit" -- when asked about the budding Kevin Kolb as he sat behind Donovan McNabb.
Jackson spent this morning plugging his experience with Nike+Kinect Training, a personalized workout program that allows the individual to train like a professional athlete. He recently did a commercial for the product and said that he uses the program on his Xbox during off days.
Despite the 3-4 Eagles' struggles this season, Jackson is on pace to put up career numbers in receptions and receiving yards. He leads the team with 34 catches for 524 yards, although he has only one touchdown on the season.
The Eagles are scoring a little over 17 points a game. Despite the offense's woes, Jackson said that the 32-year-old Vick can still get the job done.
“Honestly, I still feel like he’s an elite quarterback in this league," Jackson said. "He’s still able to make the throws, make the runs. I just think he has to be himself and play how he knows how to play. He’s been doing this for a long time. As long as he can stay healthy and continue to do what he needs to do and be a higher player in this league, I think he still has a couple years left.”
In a separate interview with NFL Network, Jackson said that he didn't think Vick was "as comfortable as he usually is" running the offense.
Opposing defenses have taken away the deep ball, which has hindered Vick, Jackson and the offense. But the injuries on the line and the consistency of the replacements has also forced the Eagles to take fewer chances downfield and have Vick make quicker throws.
“This is the NFL, the next man has to step up and do the job," Jackson said. "As far as the line, I don’t think anything is that much different. I think they’re still approaching everything the same way. Everybody is trying to do the best they can and protect Vick and not let him get hit. As you can see, it doesn’t always work out that way.”
The Eagles travel to New Orleans to face the 2-6 Saints on Monday night. Their next eight opponents have losing records. Jackson said there is still time for the Eagles to turn things around and make the playoffs.
“Yeah, I still think they’re a reality," Jackson said. "We’re second in the division behind New York. I think as long as we do well in our division. We beat New York and we get to play them again. As long as we handle that we’ll be just fine.”
Comments (66)
Vick is not the problem. There is no quarterback in the league who could be successful behind the current offensive line...— zwarte piet- I agree that Vick is not the major problem. That's not to say that he's blameless, but given better protection he would be in a "better position to make plays" (as Andy Reid would say).
Does Andy Reid really want to get Foles into a shootout with Drew Brees in his first NFL start? The Eagles are going to have to put a LOT of points on the board to win this game and I don't see them doing it, no matter who is playing quarterback.— SteveS11 - DUMP VICK...START NICK.— Bob112
- Man this team just needs to shut their mouths....Playoffs? Really dude?
— mikey9fingers - deshean said the same thing about Kevin Kolb,jackson is part of the problem not part of the solution,he doesn't give 100% on every play he proved that last season,,a deadline package deal of conVick and jackson would help the character of this team ASAP,they both play for the stats they will never win a SB--BOOK IT.....wolf.— wolf 4
- D-Jack sees how good Foles is everyday in practice, and he says Foles is ready...Vick has the most turnovers in NFL.. Vick has lost THREE GAMES IN A ROW...Foles can't do worst..DUMP VICK..START NICK.— Bob112
- They are not out of it, yet. They do need to start winning, and taking care of business in divisional games sure would help.— Paul SoTX
- i dont care how bad the O-line is, if you cant even manage to score more than 20 points a game, the O-line cant take all the blame, there are more terrible o-lines than the birds that are winning games nd scoring!.. if the coach cant adapt to what the team has, then hit the road jack!! even when the defense does bad, somehow the o-line gets blamed for that as well.. stop pointing fingers at JUST the O-line— trimski1
- Ugh....More delusion. On top of all their woes, now the back biting starts? This team and this year is toast.
If anyone thinks that the Saints aren't going to bring their A-Game monday night , they are sadly mistaken...— Mike Boryla - Foles can see over the line. He's Big Ben sized. He's a true pocket passer and he releases the ball very quickly. He's smart and will call the right audible when the moment presents itself (I don't even want to get into this issue). I also believe he'll prove that he's the one of the top two rookie QBs if Reid just gives him the shot. Yeah, top two.
Don't let this season slip away, Andy. You still have a chance.— LagunaBeach - I had the craziest dream last night. I dreamt Andy Reid was still the coach of the Eagles and after a loss said He has to do a better job. It was scary.— pnolan
- Why worry about the quarterback? Trent Cole is really tough. He'll fight anyone. Kurt Coleman is SUCH A hard hitter. He'll lead our secondary.
This is an average team regardless of who the quarterback is right now.— rubicon24 - i dont think this is the offensive line we want a rookie quarterback starting behind. i'm all in favor of benching vick at this point, but do not start foles until he's in a position to do well. the line needs to be solidified for that to happen. start trent. he's a vet, knows the system, and can get rid of the ball.— randomm82
- A WR who supports all the QBs on the roster. Thank you for breaking this important news!— JimG
- Vick and DeSean ...ONE in the same ....both interested more in their individual fame and $$....could care less about the TEAM.— RealizticFan
- We have about fourteen years of playing to agree with this comment. (Vick: 10+ years; Jackson 4+ years.)
They're both overpaid. They're both overrated.— rubicon24 - ONCE DESEAN JACKSON DID EVALUATE KEVIN KOBB. SAYING SKY IS THE LIMIT. KOBB TURNS OUT TO BE A NOBODY. SO DESEAN ARE YOU TELLING US THAT N. FOLES IS A NO GOOD ?— jkazongo
- RHey, remember when DeSean was relevant, good, tried, got open deep?— philly thug
- "but Jackson also had a very optimistic take on 'the' Nick Foles " -- wow the sports editors here are just as good as the Inquirer print editors. I guess you can't find someone who enjoys sports enough to read the articles and correct the grammar who actually has the ability to recognize errors in grammar. Or did you outsource that to Chinese software? LOL. Not that I'd be any better; I write long sentences.
— JDonPhilly - Why are we asking the opinion of a wide receiver with one touchdown reception?— rubicon24
- The team just seems sooooo out of sync. Every week we can't "reevaluate the offense and defense and special teams" Im REALLY sick of hearing that in the press conferences.
REALISTICLY they have been needing to reevaluate since September 2011. They still looks as bad as they did then. Yes, the offense line SUCKS. Yes, Vick gets hit more than any other QB........but what is up with the DEFENSE!!! NO ONE CAN TACKLE!! And I mean that!! I saw so many missed tackles on Sunday. And Nnadami....i think he should be benched!! HE SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I wish we kept Asante....no explanation needed. But, I defense is super sloppy. And the offense?!?! WHY CANT WE SCORE!?!?! Well for one thing....tooooo MUCH dancing out on the field when Shady and DJack get the ball...they want to dance..then maybe try for some yards. I say just head towards the endzone ASAP!! And stop dancing. Also, other people really need to get open and step it up!! Its been a very very quiet offensive season!— winks4205 - You mean Sandy didn't SACK the Linc! DARN!!!! Now we have to watch these losers play even more! GO Giants!— MRD
- Look who's the good soldier saying all the right things all of a sudden. That ain't keepin it real after getting all that money.— PhillySubsMac
- Maybe DeSean and the other wide outs on the team can run better routes or block better or maybe come back for a ball once in awhile to help Vick out. Its been a long time that I've seen this team so deficient in so many areas. I miss the stability of Donavan and B Westbrook running the best screen play in the league. I miss B-Dawk and Trotter giving their all and caring about the wins and losses. I don't think Vince Lombardy could save this team.— delcodanno
- Ugh, this game on Monday is gonna suck.— gjgreen3
- Putting the O-line aside, Vick did not fair well when under pressure last game. He couldn't complete any passes when he was scrambling because he was rushing himself to get out of the play. Not saying Foles would be much better, but with his height and possible throwing ability, he could fair better.— FlyeredUpFlyGuy
- The WRs will look real good once they get a real QB throwing to them. Unreal the excuses made for a starting QB who is terrible. How is that poll even close? Who are these fans that want to continue watching this guy play QB? He stunk in ATL and he stinks here, whats the holdup, we need to start new and start now. Get the kid some game experience. If Reid wont do it then Lurie needs to fire him but he wont out of some perceived loyalty for so many years of service. This is pro sports, there is no loyalty thats why they get paid buckets of money.— peteike
- Once the WRs think it wouldn't be such a bad idea to make a change, it's time. Vick had 2 1/2 years; I'm happy he's turned his life around, but he's just not a good enough QB. Might as well go with Foles since Vick won't be the QB in 2013 no matter who the coach is, and this season is over.— drbob1
- djax is saying something... he sees foles everyday...watches the film..sees the def...watches vicks reads... sees who he should throw the ball too...sees whos open... that's a half hearted endorsement of vick. time for a change. did vick lose the game on sunday??? no.. but something drastic needs to change on the def. if the line sucks..a tall qb that takes 2 step drops and throws the slant may do well. ps..vick is slow as hell...take away his legs and he is a below average qb. bench intrinsic motivation babin and overpaid and slow nnamdi— EaglesinVA
- The Eagles are the worse O Line in the NFL, to pretend there are others that are worse is delusional. I doubt man for man, no man on the Eagles O line with the exception of Peters could play for another team.
The Eagles don't value O Linemen to highly, cut rate talent prevails you nothing and if you think Herremen's is a quality tackle in the NFL, than that's proof positive you have a horrible Offensive Line. Next up is Brent Celek as your tight end, Sunday was a demonstration in a quality NFL Tight End, Tony Gonzales. Celek plays nothing like Gonzales, never has and never will.
There's no reason to go any deeper on the Eagles Offensive Line problems.— Dexter - I agree with Foles last Tweet 100%. As soon as the Eagles make him the starting QB, my very first thought will be "Thank God".— drbob1
- Here's a question...if Reid starts Foles, do you really think Reid is going to make him throw 25-30 times or more behind that matador offensive line??? I think not, watch how balanced the Eagles become...he'll run Shady McCoy more, something he never does consistently with his starting QB's.— legend67
- There is simply not enough talent on the Eagles roster for them to make the playoffs.— zeke128
- why not start both and put vick in the backfield with mccoy as kind of a decoy?thats all he is at the quarterback position anyhow.then with brown you would have a 2 and a half headed monster coming out of the backfield.— arkdad212
- Foles played behind this line in the preseason and i think was sacked once maybe twice. He plays a different game than Mike. He grew up in spread offenses and was not a athlete runner QB. The real issue with Mike may be two fold. His instincts tell him to play his wide open style. His body id telling him those skills have eroded some. AR and MM trying to make him something he is not, a pocket QB. Forget about the line for a moment. So Mike is caught in no man's land. Can't make all the plays he used to make consistently enough and playing to probably his third best skill set pocket QB. Add the mileage on Mike and missing two years in his prime and it is what it is. As far as playoffs etc. As the Tuna liked to say, you are what your record says you are. i wish that were not true but it is. Go Eagles !!— oldBird
- Why wasn't the post I sent in published?— hankhammer2
- Vick plays best when there is money on the line. He has a few chances left, or kiss that big contract goodbye— camasbud
- 5/10 soft WR who's supposed to be a number one plays like a number two can't average three balls a game— allycat1968
- 5/10 soft WR who's supposed to be a number one plays like a number two can't average three balls a game— allycat1968
- Wow words of wisdom from Vic & Jackson, who really cares what these two guys say, let alone think.— olddog
- DeSean is such a stooge. He doesn't have enough smarts to know that the media is just trying to stir up a QB controversy. He needs to learn how to connect the dots and give some thought to what he's saying in the press. Of course, the next thing we'll hear him say is that what he said was taken out of context, which is probably true, but he needs to learn how to connect the dots when speaking in the media. They are not your friend!— bm2957
- Watching the Atlanta loss, the Eagle players were out on the field to collect a paycheck, not trying to win a game. Every Atlanta snap seemed to have at least 2 or 3 missed tackles. Thank God there are no guaranteed contracts in the NFL because it's time to clean house and it begins with Andy.— pogiepop
Foles gold...- Foles would be better served watching for now. Vick would be better served if he has his life insurance paid up. This offensive line is a quarterback 911 waiting to happen!— jmb53
- Heard Eagles are trying to trade Vick before Thu trade deadline.— Lets Eat
- I sure hope Jon Gruden has already been notified for the prime candidate to replace AR..... As far as Vick i mean his play isnt no surprise... Not hard to gameplan against a mobile QB nowadays... The ones that you cant gameplan against are the ones one who are precisely accurate.... Aint no way you stick with Vick and then expect to be the HC by next training camp.....— PHILLYnative00
- Speaking of wide receivers, where the heck has Avant been. He seems to have disappeared. And as far as wide outs, Atlanta's crew seemed so much bigger, and could get the extra yards after the catch.— watsonmr
- so despite the turnovers, vick has led the eagles to 5 game winning, or potential game winning (take the lead) drive in 7 games, and yet he gets the sole blame for the struggles..ok— stockton2malone
- There isn't a team in the NFL that could sustain injuries to 3 starters on the O-line (including a Pro Bowl LT), and move on without struggles. That being said....the QB cannot run around like an idiot. Step up in the pocket and run north/south instead of backwards and sideways. Manning or Brees would have half the sacks, because they would THROW THE DAMN BALL. VICK is absolutely THE PROBLEM.— cdedrick05
- Vick leads the entire NFL in TURNOVERS..and Vick has lost THREE GAMES IN A ROW....Foles can't do worst...DUMP VICK...START NICK.— Bob112
- I don't know how any quarterback can be called "elite" when his team is scoring only 17 points a game. I guess you have to consider the source.— Ron T
- I'm not sure if any quarterback can succeed with the Eagles the way they're being coached right now. All I've been hearing over the years is what great talent they have. Last year it was the Dream Team and this year it's "we've got the talent -- we just have to get in the right positions." I'd like to see that start sometime soon! Give Foles a chance -- let him get some game time -- he can't be any worse than Vick!— Ron T
- I think Reid should be forced to play the players he selected at the start of the season and if that get's him fired, so be it. Then all the supported of Vick and Reid would be banned from posting for a year.— mario1239
- DUMP VICK...START NICK.
I am sooooo sick of hearing about how awful it would be for Nicky to start against the... *hold your breath* 2-6 Saints. Really? The 2-6 Saints who can only win by outscoring anyone?
You seriously want me to think that isn't THE PERFECT F****** time to start a rookie? Against a defense that might just be worse than our own?
WTF is wrong with everybody? Vick is the problem with the offense, only Eagles fans don't know this. Foles may end up choking, he may stink, I don't expect him to be the savior, only better than the idiot running the offense now.
They may not be dominant like last year, but Michael hold-the-ball-like-I'm-at-a-backyard-bbq Vick is really making the offensive line look bad too.
I guess all those turnovers are just karma from the past lives of Eagles fans. I can't believe anyone with a lick of sense would say the offense's problems aren't on Vick's... head. (Of course, coaching is an issue as well at this point)— WestonF01 - So nice to see the NY Giants with a 6-2 record and in first place while you losers are 3-4 and crying as you scream DUMP VICK...START NICK!!! I just wonder how many tissues have sold to you losers who can't stop the crying and whining!!!!!— MRD
- What's the Giants record against the Eagles this year again?
Yah. It's like that.
We may go 4-12 with that idiot at QB but that 4th win will be against the Giants. Again.
*wink*— WestonF01 - Vick is not really the issue, no qb can be successful behind this Line and with this offensive playcalling!— sedale
- Not all Vick fault. Playcalling and line play are terrible. However for all Vick apologist what was problem last year when we had a good o line entire year and Vick stunk? I like Vick as a person, but as an NFL QB his time is past. He can't escape pressure, read blitz, or hit open targets between LB and safeties. The guy has won 2 playoff games in his career!! The goal here is super bowls. Vick is not the answer. Foles will struggle worse than Vick when he first plays most likely. But he is a rookie and is suppose to. Also we have to see what we have in him. Vick is not a super bowl qb so it's time to move in different direction. Vick thank you for 9 good games in 2010, but since then he has been below average.— mcalabrese
- Piggie is on the way out!— mikey48
- well from what i saw last sunday the line did fairly well not their worse performance so why couldnt vick find andyone open. even when he has time when he has protection he cant find anyone open even when they are waiving at him and he seems to keep throwing behind receivers. um not all the blame lies on him but from what i saw on sunday he didnt lose the game but he sure didnt win it and the firing of castillo didnt seem to work as we only lost close games in the fourth now we just lost the damn game. we need a new dline coach we need the D to play as a team which they are not. as far as the offense sorry but other than the o line vick is the problem make a decision and live with it he is scared of throwing picks and this is why he is not getting the ball out taking off and running or getting sacked...— defroe
- Best comment on the list:
Why are we asking the opinion of a WR with one receiving touchdown?
Things have gotten moribund for the Eagles when Charlie Garner no longer bothers to comment.— narkose3535 - Playing good against the Eagles 1st team defense does not mean you are ready for the NFL.— c.ley
- "I need to put the team in a better position to win"
...............................ANDY REID...........
This leading the proverbial horse to water is getting old.
GET THEM HORSES TO DRINK ANDY !!
[Lord knows you've driven most of us fans to].— Ernie Garman - D-jax was phenomenal until his 2d concussion. He's a punk & me me me player. He'll say anything to get attention. The O line needs leadership which Vick, despite his talents, does not have. Reid is not a leader. Fire the entire coaching staff & start over. Lurie, please put Andy out of our misery.
- Westonf01 for Coach!
- Vick is no THE problem, but he is one of many problems. He's gunshy and isn't instinctively hitting the open receiver or the best open option. It's hard to measure the impact of missed opportunities, but it's a big part of the Eagles problems.— fammarlin
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