Mornhinweg: DeSean is "all in"
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Mornhinweg: DeSean is "all in"
Jonathan Tamari
Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg praised the effort of star wide receiver DeSean Jackson, lamented his team's continuing turnover problem and sounded hopeful - but a bit skeptical - about Mike Vick's new found commitment to sliding.
Mornhinweg, meeting with reporters for the first time since Jackson was criticized for his effort against the Seahawks, said he has been "absolutely" happy with the receiver's work ethic.
"For the last several weeks, he was just terrific. He was working hard and great preparation," Mornhinweg said. "He has never really faded from the hard work and preparation. He's been through a long year as well. He’s got a few things going on ... he’s growing as a professional, he’s certainly all in here."
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Mornhinweg also said he wants to see Vick slide under hits or duck out of bounds to preserve himself. It's something the team has tried to drill into the quarterback since signing him, Mornhinweg said.
"We’ve discussed that since day one, so we’ll see," he said. "(Quaterbacks coach) Doug (Pederson) has drilled that with him tiem and time again. I want to see it."
It shouldn't be hard, Mornhinweg said, if Vick adopts the right approach.
"The actual slide part is easy. It’s the mentality of sliding," he said. "Unless it’s a game winner ... with one other caveat if he thinks he can shake and bake and score without getting a hit on him. We’ll see what happens in a game. That’s a little bit of maturity so I’m certain that he’s maturing here."
Of course, Vick seems to always think he can score.
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Mornhinweg said turnovers -- the Eagles have a league-leading 29 -- are holding down the offense.
"We’re ranked very highly in almost every category. The ones where we’re low ... are directly correlated with turnovers," he said.
In red zone offense, the Eagles rank 21st. "We’d be in the top five if we hadn’t turned the ball over eight doggone times," Mornhinweg said. "Our players know that, our players are proud guys."
"We’re third on offense (yardage), we’re first on not going three and out ... the biggest statistics that correlates with winning and losing is turnovers. Done."
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Under-fire defensive coordinator Juan Castillo said he is not concerned about rumors about his job security and is instead focusing on the Dolphins.
He said he is "optimistic" that Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie could return to the slot this week, ahead of Joselio Hanson.
Special teams coordinator Bobby April said he likes having the speedy Rodgers-Cromartie returning kick offs, but DRC said he won't do it this week.
"Bobby ain't putting me in that fire," he said.
Rodgers-Cromartie said he doesn't want to risk another injury after tearing ankle ligaments returning kicks Nov. 13. He later said he might be open to returning kicks in later weeks, after he's had a game back.
April said new safety Tom Nelson will step into Colt Anderson's role on each special teams unit. Middle linebacker Jamar Chaney will fill in for Moise Fokou on some special teams units after Fokou was sent to the injured reserve, April said.
DeSEan is right ...Eagles screwed him.....they gave Vick $100 million...and even Steve Smith $5 million...and only give DeSEan 600k...Eagles screwed DeSean.— frank105- You're right, frank. DeSean should continue to throw every game and short-arm every catch UNTIL the Eagles give him ANYTHING he wants. He should be paid $20million/game for his amazing talent. (All sarcasm intended.)
- No, you're right kecward, the Eagles should continue paying a 3-time pro bowler less than $600K.
- They got a 3-time pro bowler at bargain-basement prices.
Now, they're getting what they paid for. So, why cry? - come on Frank....they certainly over paid for the QB that throws picks, doesnt slide, in return never is there for his team for all 16 games...and steve smith....however Djax signed the initial contract, he's going to make much more next year and to be honest is not worth that much. He is no L.Fitzgerald. If he continues listening to his agent he will end up another TO...forgotten and a joke.— RealizticFan
- I agree. DeSean signed the initial contract and knew how much he would make in its final year. His agent probably filled his head with don't worry the Eagles will extend the contract you'll be making more money than 600 grand. Extension didn't happen so he just needed to play out his contract and if the Eagles didn't give him what he wanted he had two options... 1. restricted free agent and sign with whomever the Eagles don't match or 2. franchised and make big money for a year.
- If Young doesn't under-throw 6 or 7 sure TDs, Jackson's back in the pro bowl, and everyone's saying, "Pay the man."
- When a team wants to keep a player they don't make them wait until their contract has expired. Rookies rarely play out their entire contracts...especially 3 time Pro Bowlers. And no one is a Larry Fitzgerald, but could he be a Wes Welker or Mike Wallace, who are two of the top WRs this year? Absolutely! Pay Desean!
Oh, and TO isn't a forgotten joke. He'll probably end up in the Hall of Fame.— macd41144 - I know it's not forthcoming, but I would like for one Eagles player, preferably a starter, come right out and say WE STINK, WE SUCK!
- Glad to see that DRC is calling the shots on where and when he plays.— Florida Frank
- DeSean may be "all in" but the fans are "all out" at this point.— DennyP
- Do I believe Marty? NO! Don't believe Jaun either and stopped believing Andy 5 seasons ago.
- Marty is a Reid parrot. Marty want a cracker.— Drew777
- Vick will light up DeSean...take Eagles and the points 27-12— mlwmlw
