When DeSean Jackson was drafted in the second round by the Eagles in 2008, he felt like he had to prove the doubters. At 5-10, 175 pounds, critics said he was too small to be a difference-maker in the NFL.
Well, 62 catches, 912 yards and a pair of touchdowns later, it seems like the negative observers wouldn't have much to complain about. But Jackson doesn't see it that way.
During the live portion of Friday's practice, Jackson hauled in a beautiful bomb down the right sideline from Donovan McNabb despite double coverage. It was easily, in my observation, the best play of the day. Jackson said afterwards that he has to make those types of plays to silence his critics.
"You just have to expect that of yourself being a top wide receiver," Jackson said. "I take pride in being able to make any play. There are a lot of doubters about me, my size and everything. Being that and knowing that, I try to go outside the lines of a little wide receiver or a small wide receiver. I just try to make every play possible."
Jackson emerged as a legitimate threat during last year's training camp when injuries forced an accelerated learning curve. Prior to this year's training camp, Jackson went to Arizona to workout with Donovan McNabb. Between the work in the sauna-like Arizona heat and during training camp, the foundation for a great 2009 is being poured.
"The off-season work that we put in together - there's no substitute for that," Jackson said. "We want to come out and have a great year and it begins with training camp."
-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 6:03 p.m., July 31
