Vikings coach Brad Childress described Eagles rookie DeSean Jackson as a "human pogo stick,"
which was meant to be a compliment, of course.
"It's hard finding him because he's a diminutive guy,"
Childress said, "but it's also hard corralling him."
While quarterback Donovan McNabb and dual- threat running back Brian Westbrook remain the focus of every defensive game plan, the Vikings are mindful of the big-play capability as a receiver and punt returner of the 5-10, 175-pounder.
A second-round draft pick from Cal, Jackson had one of the best rookie seasons in team history and has forced teams to account for his speed down the field.
"He's an excellent young receiver,"
Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier said. "He's really helped their offense to be as good as it is. You can never forget about Westbrook. But you have to have an answer for DeSean Jackson. He's made a ton of big plays on everybody he's played against. We'll have to do something to try to slow him down."
Jackson caught 62 passes for 912 yards during the regular season to become the first Eagles rookie receiver to lead the team in catches and receiving yards since Fred Meyer in 1942.
Jackson finished second among rookies in receiving yards this season and became only the second Eagles rookie to score a touchdown on a run, a catch and a return.
Jackson also became only the second player in NFL history to begin his career with back-to-back 100-yard receiving games, joining former Eagles rookie Don Looney in 1940.
"He has made a lot of big plays for us, a lot of yards for us,"
Westbrook said. "Now, he needs to know that the level of play and the level of competition is going to step up dramatically for this next playoff game and the one after that, as well. He has to stay on task and stay focused throughout the whole week and go into the game and give everything he has."
The Eagles try to get the ball in Jackson's hands in multiple ways. In addition to his 62 catches, he had 17 carries, 50 punt returns and even attempted one pass, although that resulted in an interception.
"I think they find a certain amount of touches for him a game,"
Childress said. "They're going to try to get the ball in his hands, whether they hand it to him, toss it to him or throw it to him. He can change the field in a hurry."
Said Vikings nickelback Benny Sapp: "He has his own package. You've see him run the ball, throw the ball and catch the ball. We have to come in knowing he's going to get a little bit, but you can't give up the big ones."
Particularly on special teams. The Vikings gave up four punt returns for touchdowns this season. Jackson had a 68-yard punt return for a touchdown and had two returns of 40-plus yards this season.
"He's definitely an explosive player,"
said special-teams player Vinny Ciurciu. "We'll have our hands full trying to contain him and stop him. He's a small guy, but he has a ton of speed and quickness. Definitely poses a challenge for us."
