Eagles looking for leaders
Two years ago, DeSean Jackson took a pass over the middle, turned on his jets and zoomed 64 yards for an electrifying touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Two years ago, DeSean Jackson took a pass over the middle, turned on his jets and zoomed 64 yards for an electrifying touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs.
To mark his arrival in the end zone, the Eagles wide receiver flipped over the goal line and landed as if he had slid safely, feet first, into second base. It was acrobatic and breathtaking, but it was foolish.
Jackson was questionable that day because of a groin injury and needed a cortisone shot to even play. When he ran to the sideline after his celebration he vomited. Jackson missed the Eagles' next possession, and as he caught his breath he caught flack from one of the team's leaders.
"Great run," Jamaal Jackson said, "but let's try to exhibit some professionalism."
After the game, Jackson recounted the story for reporters. The veteran center wasn't trying to embarrass the receiver. He was merely letting it be known that certain actions have consequences.
"There's nothing wrong with a little celebration," Jackson said then. "But once you put your body at risk, that's when you want to take a step back and look at the big picture."
Leaders have a knack for taking a step back from the canvas. This season's Eagles are in need of big-picture players. Jackson would have filled that role as he always did, but he is no longer starting. Rookie Jason Kelce took his spot.
In many cases during the last two or three years, jettisoned veterans have been replaced by young players or free agents not quite ready or incapable of leading. The result is a mismatched roster with zero chemistry, especially after the mass turnover following the NFL lockout.
The whole notion of leadership in sports can be overrated. Talent and good coaching ultimately prevail. But there are times when it is sorely needed, and now, after the Eagles' 1-4 start, is one of them.
It can't come from Andy Reid and his coaches, not this kind of leadership. Anyone that has played team sports and been successful knows that at some point you stop playing for yourself but for the guy alongside you.
And if one player isn't carrying his weight, he needs to be called out. It doesn't have to happen through the media, but it has to happen, and frankly, no Eagle has emerged as the leader.
Here are some candidates, with explanations as to why they can or cannot fill that void:
Michael Vick. By default, the quarterback is the leader on offense. For the most part he has handled the job with aplomb since last season. He was a steadying force following the November loss to the Bears when DeSean Jackson had his postgame meltdown. He hit all the right notes following this season's loss to the 49ers. But his "sort of" shouldering the blame for four interceptions against the Bills was problematic and his response to becoming the all-time leader in rushing yards for a quarterback - "It's great . . ." - was cringe worthy.
DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin and LeSean McCoy. The Eagles' explosive skill position threesome can't play the youth card anymore. Jackson is in his fourth season; Maclin and McCoy are in their third. All three have decidedly different personalities, but Maclin's is best suited to lead. He's more intense than the other two and not fearful of speaking up. Jackson doesn't shy away from subtle criticism as he showed after the Giants game when the defense failed to maintain a fourth-quarter lead. But he hasn't always set the finest example. McCoy just wants to be everyone's friend.
Todd Herremans and Brent Celek. The longest-tenured starting offensive lineman, Herremans, certainly has the respect of his peers. But the tackle is low-key and more of a lead-by-example figure. Celek appeared poised to become a spokesman for the team before last season. But the tight end's production has slipped and thus is less likely to command attention.
Cullen Jenkins. Ever since Brian Dawkins left three seasons ago, the defense has been a rudderless ship. Jenkins has often been the voice of reason emanating from the locker room over the last month. He's the obvious choice right now, but the defensive tackle has been an Eagle for less than three months.
Trent Cole, Jason Babin and Juqua Parker. Cole's another lead-by-watching-my-effort guy, not a vocal presence. Babin is loquacious but is more the locker room prankster. Parker has been cited as a go-to-leader on defense, but will anyone listen after his offside flub on Sunday?
Asante Samuel, Jamar Chaney and Nnamdi Asomugha. Samuel keeps the atmosphere light and jovial. There have been times when the cornerback has led, but he's increasingly looked disinterested. On many defenses, you would like your middle linebacker to take charge, but Chaney is still finding his way as a player. And Asomugha would be the guy in a perfect world. The cornerback has all the qualities, but he's reserved and another new guy still getting to know the guys playing to his sides.
So the leader is . . .