The Dallas Cowboys didn’t believe there was a wide receiver in the 2008 draft that could make an immediate impact.
Philadelphia thought otherwise.
The Eagles took California’s speedy DeSean Jackson in the second round and he has provided an instant play-making spark. With Philadelphia troubled by injuries at receiver, Jackson has been an even bigger addition.
“Jackson has really come through as one of their top, if not their top receiver,”
Cowboys coach Wade Phillips said. “He’s made a big difference as a rookie.”
Jackson leads the Eagles in receiving with 60 catches for 866 yards and two touchdowns. In his first meeting against the Cowboys, Jackson had a huge performance on Monday Night Football in the second week of the season. He had six catches for 110 yards and lost the chance of a 61-yard touchdown in the second quarter by celebrating too early.
Jackson dropped the ball just before he crossed the goal line on what was ruled a touchdown on the field. The call was reversed on replay. Running back Brian Westbrook scored on the next play from a yard out.
Since Jackson is a big-play threat, the Cowboys could use cornerback Terence Newman to shadow him all over the field. The Cowboys have used this strategy against Washington’s Santana Moss and Pittsburgh’s Santonio Holmes.
The Jackson File
Strengths: Playmaker who possesses breakaway speed and is a dangerous deep threat. Also potential to be an elite NFL return man.
Weaknesses: Drops and brashness. He had four drops last week in the loss to Washington, including a potential game-tying touchdown catch in the final minute.
Season: Rookie
Size: 5-foot-10, 175 pounds
College: California
Who has to stop him? The Cowboys could employ a past strategy of using cornerback Terence Newman to shadown the opponent's top speed threat all over the field. Newman did that against Washington’s Santana Moss and Pittsburgh’s Santonio Holmes.
Last week: Had two catches for 14 yards in 10-3 loss to Washington.
Notable: Leads the Eagles with 60 catches for 866 yards and two TDs. … With 110 yards against the Cowboys on Sept. 15, Jackson became only the second player in NFL history to record over 100 receiving yards in his first two games. Philadelphia’s Don Looney, a Fort Worth native, accomplished the feat in 1940. ... First-team All-America in 2007. … Pac-10-record six punt returns for TDs. ... In 2007 Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth, had five catches for 84 yards, including a 40-yard TD reception on a difficult twisting catch, in Cal's victory over Air Force. … Played at Long Beach Poly, which has produced for NFL players than any high school. … Had six catches for 110 yards in earlier meeting with Cowboys this season. … Was an outstanding high school baseball player considered to be a major league prospect.
