Ashley Fox: Eagles miss an opportunity to soothe Jackson

This seemed like the perfect opportunity to make the birthday boy happy. Get him the ball. Pad his stats. Show him some love. Make DeSean Jackson feel appreciated, like the megastar he thinks he is.

The Eagles did not do that. Not really. Even though the best Houston had to offer Thursday night was a second-year corner out of New Mexico named Glover Quin, who did not have the foot speed to match Jackson, it was as if the Eagles forgot Jackson existed for much of the game.

Given what has transpired this week, that is not a good idea.

The Eagles got the victory after losing the lead in the third quarter. By beating the Texans, 34-24, they moved to 8-4 heading into a long weekend off before regrouping for a road game at Dallas. The Eagles moved the ball most of the night; were fairly efficient on third down; scored when they got into the red zone; and survived a night when the defense, once again, couldn't stop anybody.

But Jackson didn't have a big game against a secondary not known for having great success against talented receivers. The first play of the game went to Jackson, with Michael Vick hitting him with a perfect pass with no Texans in sight. It went for a 30-yard gain and looked to be a precursor for Jackson's first big performance since he caught seven passes for 109 yards and a touchdown against Indianapolis on Nov. 7.

It didn't work out that way.

Vick lived off a steady diet of Jeremy Maclin and LeSean McCoy, and Jackson was a nonfactor until early in the fourth quarter, when he caught his third pass of the game. It was a big one, there is no doubt. His 33-yard gain moved the Eagles to the Texans' 11-yard line, and two plays later Vick ran the ball in for the go-ahead touchdown that gave the Eagles a 27-24 advantage they would not relinquish.

On the night, Jackson caught three passes for 84 yards. He did not get into the end zone.

Andy Reid insisted that the Eagles had Jackson's "number dialed up quite a little bit tonight," and that Jackson got extra attention from Houston "when you strike early like that."

"The defense, they're paying attention," Reid said.

You know Jackson wanted much more, especially after The Inquirer's Jeff McLane reported on Wednesday that Jackson was upset about his contract; was texting nonstop with his agent, Drew Rosenhaus; and that Rosenhaus has told him that the Eagles will use his lack of eye-popping production this season against him in their negotiations.

Instead, Jackson has now gone three games without a touchdown. He did stand back and fair-catch a punt. So that is something.

It wasn't breaking news that Jackson is upset with his contract. He is making significantly less than Jason Avant, who has an important but much smaller role in the offense.

Nevertheless, Jackson downplayed the "madness" of this week, saying it was nobody's business "who I'm texting, who I'm talking to."

"That's my agent," Jackson said. "If I'm talking to him, I'm talking to him. What's the big deal? . . .

"It's funny, man, honestly, very interesting the comments and what people say about me being unhappy or whatever the case may be. To me, I'm the happiest person doing it. I have a bright future.

"Right now might not be so great, but as far as the picture down the road it will be great for me. The biggest thing is we're winning, I'm in the NFL. I'm happy. I'm 24 years old, just had a birthday yesterday. I'm living life. I'm happy. I'm just blessed."

Perhaps in a normal year, without the threat of labor unrest, the Eagles would have already reworked Jackson's rookie contract. They have a long history of doing that in November with players they have drafted.

This is a different year, a different labor environment, not that that is much consolation to Jackson. The Eagles are in a tricky spot because they have to keep Jackson on board, and from the sound of it, he might be drifting away.

"We got the victory. That's all that matters," Jackson said after the game, which, all things considered, was the best answer he could have given.

The last thing the Eagles need is a Terrell Owens situation. A Freddie Mitchell situation wouldn't be much better. Remember Mitchell and how he used to put his hands on his hips when the ball would not come his way, how he would shake his hands toward the sky and tap at an imaginary watch when he finally did get a ball?

That kind of behavior is not good for a team or an offense, and while Donovan McNabb put up with it, I can't imagine Vick would.

If the Eagles can't show Jackson the money, they should at least show him more love. Get him the ball. Throw to him time and again. Boost his confidence and pad his stats.

Thursday night was a perfect opportunity that slipped away.