We saw Brian Westbrook transition from punt return specialist to one of the premier all-purpose backs in all of the National Football League. Last year, DeSean Jackson was the first player in NFL history to be named to the Pro Bowl at two different positions in the same season - wide receiver and returner.
It's fair to ask whether Jackson will get the chance to defend his title of top punt returner. Jackson led the league with an average of 15.2 yards per return in 2009 and also scored two touchdowns. As of right now, according to head coach Andy Reid, the plan is for Jackson to remain the primary punt returner.
Jackson has declined to talk to the media likely because he doesn't want to discuss his contract situation. While Jackson would like to renegotiate his rookie contract, the uncertainty regarding the CBA has put limitations on what can be done. Despite all of that, Reid said that Jackson is "in a good place" and wants to "just concentrate on football."
"He doesn't want to be disrupted by questions on contract or anything else. He's focused in," Reid said. "He loves to play. I think that's where he's at right now. He's all business right now."
Jackson had to take the conditioning test prior to the start of camp because he didn't take it at the end of OTAs, which he missed for personal reasons. Reid said that he "did a good job" on the test and is in "phenomenal shape."
-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 6:10 p.m., July 30