DeSean Jackson...getting no respect... (2 Viewers)

[Soaring Eagle]

i really see this guy as a 80 catch 1200 yd 10 td player

he has had dramatic improvement since last year, has a great qb and should be the center piece of this office, yet the "experts" don't project him with numbers much better than last year?

 

[anakin]

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...n+Jackson\

 

[shredhead]

i really see this guy as a 80 catch 1200 yd 10 td playerhe has had dramatic improvement since last year, has a great qb and should be the center piece of this office, yet the "experts" don't project him with numbers much better than last year?

I sure hope you're right, as I have him in a WR#2 committee with Anthony Gonzalez and Chris Henry. Many around here seem to think that Philly spreads the ball around too much and Jackson is a smaller receiver who might not see red zone looks. Those are 2 reasons I have noticed for why people aren't projecting more out of him. I'm hoping for the best.

 

[ceo3west]

I want to believe in DJ but the problem with him is he is not a good redzone target. Almost all of his TD's will likely come outside the 20 IMO which will make it really difficult for him to reach double digits, not to mention McNabb will spread the wealth in that offense.

 

[Jason Wood]

i really see this guy as a 80 catch 1200 yd 10 td player

he has had dramatic improvement since last year, has a great qb and should be the center piece of this office, yet the "experts" don't project him with numbers much better than last year?

Jackson certainly has the talent to achieve those numbers, but on a risk adjusted basis projecting him (or drafting him) for that kind of output would be suspect.In the Andy Reid era, in spite of usually being among the league's better passing attacks, there have been TWO 1,000-yard seasons.

Terrell Owens in 2004

Kevin Curtis in 2007

That's it. Reid fundamentally believes in spreading the ball around, and Donovan McNabb does it happily.

With Curtis healthy again, and Jeremy Maclin in the picture, there's absolutely no reason the Eagles will have to force the ball to D Jackson. He's going to make his mark, but so too will the rest of the offensive contributors.

Here is my write up from the Player Spotlights:

The Philadelphia Eagles have been a bit of an anomaly in the Andy Reid years. The team ranks consistently among the top passing offenses, yet it rarely has what one would consider a true WR1. Of course Terrell Owens was the exception to that rule. Last season, the Eagles drafted diminutive yet explosive DeSean Jackson in the 2nd round and hoped he would contribute to the WR depth and provide the team with a difference-maker in the return game.

Even the most ardent Eagles fans couldn't have been prepared for what came next.

Week 1 -- 6 catches for 106 yards

Week 2 -- 6 catches for 110 yards

Jackson became only the 2nd receiver in NFL history to open his career with back-to-back 100-yard games. What's more surprising is that he did it playing for Andy Reid; a coach notorious for making rookies work their way into playing time (Jackson is the first rookie on offense to start in Week One).

On the season, Jackson finished with 62 receptions for 912 yards (14.7 YPR) and 2 TDs; good enough for a 29th place fantasy finish. Not eye-popping numbers, but enough to warrant enthusiasm that Jackson has a number of elite seasons in his future.

As fantasy owners decipher Jackson's situation for 2009, there are a number of factors to consider:

1) His quarterback, coaches and system remains intact -- Unlike his fellow rookie star, Eddie Royal of the Broncos, Jackson is back working with the same perennial Pro Bowler under center, with the same offensive system and the same coaches. Don't underestimate the importance of that as Jackson looks to make a natural progression from Year 1 to Year 2.

2) The WR corps is a lot deeper this year -- The Eagles used a 1st round pick on WR Jeremy Maclin, and 2007 leading receiver Kevin Curtis is back and fully healthy after dealing with the after effects of a sports hernia procedure in 2008. For a team that has a long history of spreading the ball around, this means fewer targets for all concerned. In Andy Reid's tenure (1999-present), the Eagles have only had TWO 1,000-yard receivers (Terrell Owens in 2004 and Kevin Curtis in 2007). Remember that.



3) Jackson needs to improve in key facets of the game -- While Jackson showed a lot as a rookie, his game is far from complete. He would at times break off routes last year, more due to a lack of concentration than lack of ability. When he's focused, Jackson is a great route runner, but he needs to approach every snap in the same way. On top of that, Jackson only scored 2 TDs last year; an unacceptably low number given his role. And last but not least, Jackson needs to generate more yards after the catch -- something that was considered his strong suit coming out of Cal.

Another thing to remember is that not all players who were great as rookies are destined to improve as 2nd-year players. In the Player Spotlight thread (see link below), I provide a more detailed analysis of this phenomenon. But here's the key take away, 21 rookie WRs before last year had at least 900 yards receiving. Of those 13 of 21 actually DECLINED as fantasy performers (on a per game basis) in Year 2.

Let's be clear, I'm NOT suggesting Jackson isn't going to improve. But I am suggesting that simply expecting him to improve because he had a good rookie season isn't a winning bet. With every player, you need to analyze their specific situation and determined whether the contributing factors argue for improvement.

Positives

* Jackson was impressive enough to start for a coach notoriously opposed to starting rookies, and in doing so he broke 900 yards and provided the Eagles their best deep threat

* Jackson came into the league as a crisp route runner and brilliant open field runner; strengths that if utilized at the NFL level should mean Jackson is capable of more than we saw last year, and in turn Top 20 fantasy numbers

* Donovan McNabb is a talented and productive QB and Jackson has clearly been his top target during OTAs and the preseason

Negatives

* Jackson showed lapses last year (6 drops, minimal YAC) and must markedly improve those metrics to warrant his current ADP

* The Eagles have only had two 1,000-yard receivers in the Andy Reid Era (Terrell Owens in 2004 and Kevin Curtis in 2007), and the return of a healthy Kevin Curtis and the decision to draft Jeremy Maclin make it unlikely we'll see a 3rd this year

* Jackson's size and inability to get off the line in space made him a relatively ineffective red zone target last year

Final Thoughts

DeSean Jackson has a ton of potential, and the ability and opportunity to deliver a Top-15 fantasy season. But at his current ADP (WR22), there is little room for error. The Eagles have a long history of spreading the ball around, and it's unlikely any WR will deliver consistent fantasy numbers week in, week out. Jackson's full season numbers should be quite good, and as long as you view him as a solid WR2 or excellent fantasy WR3, you're going to be happy to have him on your roster. Draft accordingly.

 

[LHUCKS]

Jackson is the best WR, and arguably the best offensive weapon on the Eagles...the Eagles know this and will use him accordingly.

I think his ceiling is a lot higher than people realize.

I don't think there's any question he could come down with 90/1350/12

That would be the high side of his range...more to come from my WR strategy article tonight.

 

[RoyDubb]

Jackson is the best WR, and arguably the best offensive weapon on the Eagles...the Eagles know this and will use him accordingly.I think his ceiling is a lot higher than people realize. I don't think there's any question he could come down with 90/1350/12That would be the high side of his range...more to come from my WR strategy article tonight.

I love Desean but he wont get nowhere near 90 receptions IMO. 78-1240-9. Top-10 WR for 2009.

 

[lyon812]

i really see this guy as a 80 catch 1200 yd 10 td playerhe has had dramatic improvement since last year, has a great qb and should be the center piece of this office, yet the "experts" don't project him with numbers much better than last year?

Jackson certainly has the talent to achieve those numbers, but on a risk adjusted basis projecting him (or drafting him) for that kind of output would be suspect.In the Andy Reid era, in spite of usually being among the league's better passing attacks, there have been TWO 1,000-yard seasons.Terrell Owens in 2004Kevin Curtis in 2007That's it. Reid fundamentally believes in spreading the ball around, and Donovan McNabb does it happily.

I'm a bit wary of Jackson for a different reason, which I'll get to in a second. Your point about the lack of 1,000 yard receivers is well made, but it's also worth noting that in 2005, Owens had 763 yards in 7 games. Projecting him over a season would indicate that in 3 of the last 5 seasons you've had a 1,000 yard receiver--and with 88 more yards, Jackson would have made it 4 in the last 5. Thus, I feel that the tendency to spread the ball around might also reflect Reid having a group of unremarkable-but-serviceable receivers.Consider that in the Reid era, he's had these leading receivers: 1999: Torrance Small2000: Chad Lewis2001: James Thrash2002-03: Todd Pinkston2004-05: Terrell Owens2006: Reggie Brown2007: Kevin Curtis2008: DeSean JacksonBoth Owens years were on pace for 1200+ seasons. He leaves, and in 2006, their leading receivers weren't even WR's: Westbrook and LJ Smith. Then in 2007 Curtis signs, and boom, another big receiver year. Last year Curtis was banged up, but Jackson put up 912 as a rookie alongside the aforementioned collection of unremarkable talents. Thus, I think that when a receiver warrants a lot of throws, that Reid will give it to him. That being said, the problem this year might be that they spread it around because they have the most talented group that they've had for awhile. =) Still, I think the possibility for 1,000 yard seasons out of Reid's Eagles isn't as crazy as your post might indicate.

 

[LHUCKS]

Jackson is the best WR, and arguably the best offensive weapon on the Eagles...the Eagles know this and will use him accordingly.I think his ceiling is a lot higher than people realize. I don't think there's any question he could come down with 90/1350/12That would be the high side of his range...more to come from my WR strategy article tonight.

I love Desean but he wont get nowhere near 90 receptions IMO. 78-1240-9. Top-10 WR for 2009.

It's only about 5.5 receptions/game...in the dress rehearsal vs. the Jags he got 4 receptions and a rush in limited play.There's no question that Jackson can get to 90, particularly if Westbrook and Curtis are their feeble selves.90 receptions is a conservative upside prediction IMHO.Too much groupthink in this forum, didn't realize how bad the problem has become...thank God I'm here.

 

[stugnut]

I hope he does well this season as I have him as my 1b (I know, not good), but what concerns me about him is that he seems to have difficulty catching the ball away from his body. I noticed a number of times last year where when going across the middle, instead of bringing his hands up to grab the ball at chin level, he would leap up and catch the ball in his gut. This destroyed his momentum and didn't give him much YAC. I hope it was just a bad habit he fixed in the offseason.

 

[Jason Wood]

Jackson is the best WR, and arguably the best offensive weapon on the Eagles...the Eagles know this and will use him accordingly.

I think his ceiling is a lot higher than people realize.

I don't think there's any question he could come down with 90/1350/12

That would be the high side of his range...more to come from my WR strategy article tonight.

I love Desean but he wont get nowhere near 90 receptions IMO. 78-1240-9. Top-10 WR for 2009.

It's only about 5.5 receptions/game...in the dress rehearsal vs. the Jags he got 4 receptions and a rush in limited play.There's no question that Jackson can get to 90, particularly if Westbrook and Curtis are their feeble selves.

90 receptions is a conservative upside prediction IMHO.

Too much groupthink in this forum, didn't realize how bad the problem has become...thank God I'm here.

You're better than this LHUCKS. C'mon buddy. You can feel free to disagree, but don't make accusations of groupthink. A read through the DJax player spotlight thread will show you a WIDE range of expectations, ranging from WR1 breakout to a marginal backup fantasy WR, and everything in between. And hopefully you recognize that my views - right or wrong when we look back on them - are intensely researched.

 

[LHUCKS]

You're better than this LHUCKS. C'mon buddy. You can feel free to disagree, but don't make accusations of groupthink.

Sorry Wood, just throwing out some arrogant schtick...just trying to be entertaining. On a sidenote, sorry I didn't have time for the spotlights this year...had some crazy business travel over the summer.

And hopefully you recognize that my views - right or wrong when we look back on them - are intensely researched.

You're one of the reasons I like this place...nothing but love for you big guy!!

 

[Raiderfan32904]

I traded for him giving up Vincent Jackson just last night. DUI for V Jack already on probation! V Jackson Perfect timing...

 

[baconisgood]

Jackson is the best WR, and arguably the best offensive weapon on the Eagles...the Eagles know this and will use him accordingly.

I think his ceiling is a lot higher than people realize.

I don't think there's any question he could come down with 90/1350/12

That would be the high side of his range...more to come from my WR strategy article tonight.

I love Desean but he wont get nowhere near 90 receptions IMO. 78-1240-9. Top-10 WR for 2009.

It's only about 5.5 receptions/game...in the dress rehearsal vs. the Jags he got 4 receptions and a rush in limited play.There's no question that Jackson can get to 90, particularly if Westbrook and Curtis are their feeble selves.

90 receptions is a conservative upside prediction IMHO.

Too much groupthink in this forum, didn't realize how bad the problem has become...thank God I'm here.

You're better than this LHUCKS. C'mon buddy. You can feel free to disagree, but don't make accusations of groupthink. A read through the DJax player spotlight thread will show you a WIDE range of expectations, ranging from WR1 breakout to a marginal backup fantasy WR, and everything in between. And hopefully you recognize that my views - right or wrong when we look back on them - are intensely researched.

I do have a problem with the way you present his downside

On top of that, Jackson only scored 2 TDs last year; an unacceptably low number given his role.

D Jackson had 3 offensive TDs (he had a rushing TD) and for projections purposes he had 4. His boneheaded droop at the 1 yard line is a fluke event- even if you think he is way more likely than the average player to drop the ball on the 1 (reasonable since he also did it in high school) he is still going to score in plays like those 95 times out of 100. Realistically plays like that will cost him maybe 1/10th of a TD per year, but because a flukish event happened his rookie season its going to get over weighted.

 

[gonzobill5]

It's been hinted at, but not plainly stated, so here goes - don't forget about his contribution in the running game. About 100 yards rushing and a TD last year. With an offseason of scheming and his likely role in a handful of wildcat type plays, I could see those number double. His speed is really among the best in the league.

I also think that the "spread the ball around" philosophy for the eagles is a bit overstated. I would have felt that way a few months ago, but with the way the preseason has gone (Curtis and Ingram hurt, Maclin and Westbrook getting started late) I don't think expecting 80 catches is unreasonable, and 90 or more is certainly attainable.

My only real fear is that McNabb hasn't looked good and the OLine has looked even worse.

 

[LHUCKS]

His speed is really among the best in the league.

Not just his speed, but his quickness is all-world too.

I also think that the "spread the ball around" philosophy for the eagles is a bit overstated.

Ding Ding. The T.O. comprison is the best comparison because like T.O. in his prime, Jackson is nearly impossible to defend. We're not talking about Todd Pinkston or Reggie Brown here.

I don't think expecting 80 catches is unreasonable, and 90 or more is certainly attainable.

 

[Jason Wood]

His speed is really among the best in the league.

Not just his speed, but his quickness is all-world too.

I also think that the "spread the ball around" philosophy for the eagles is a bit overstated.

Ding Ding. The T.O. comprison is the best comparison because like T.O. in his prime, Jackson is nearly impossible to defend. We're not talking about Todd Pinkston or Reggie Brown here.

I don't think expecting 80 catches is unreasonable, and 90 or more is certainly attainable.

Whoa whoa...Eagles season ticket holder here. Impossible to defend? HYPERBOLE METER IS BLOWING OUT.

 

[ceo3west]

His speed is really among the best in the league.

Not just his speed, but his quickness is all-world too.

I also think that the "spread the ball around" philosophy for the eagles is a bit overstated.

Ding Ding. The T.O. comprison is the best comparison because like T.O. in his prime, Jackson is nearly impossible to defend. We're not talking about Todd Pinkston or Reggie Brown here.

I don't think expecting 80 catches is unreasonable, and 90 or more is certainly attainable.

Jackson is no TO, it would be wise to remember that on draft day. 1,000 yards is possible, but you should feel fortunate if he gets to 7 or 8 TD's. He simply does not have the size to be a consistent red zone option.

 

[LHUCKS]

Jackson is no TO, it would be wise to remember that on draft day. 1,000 yards is possible, but you should feel fortunate if he gets to 7 or 8 TD's. He simply does not have the size to be a consistent red zone option.

You don't have to be big like T.O. to score TDs.I like to compare Jackson to Marvin Harrison.Harrison attained double digit TDs for eight consecutive years...without size.

 

[LHUCKS]

Whoa whoa...Eagles season ticket holder here. Impossible to defend? HYPERBOLE METER IS BLOWING OUT.

You better believe it...you're talking about possibly the quickest player in the NFL....and I said "nearly impossible" to defend.

 

[SSOG]

Jackson is the best WR, and arguably the best offensive weapon on the Eagles...the Eagles know this and will use him accordingly.

My condolences to Brian Westbrook's family- I must have missed the news of his passing.

 

[ceo3west]

Jackson is no TO, it would be wise to remember that on draft day. 1,000 yards is possible, but you should feel fortunate if he gets to 7 or 8 TD's. He simply does not have the size to be a consistent red zone option.

You don't have to be big like T.O. to score TDs.I like to compare Jackson to Marvin Harrison.Harrison attained double digit TDs for eight consecutive years...without size.

You're comparing Jackson to 2 of the best WR's in NFL history.. he's a solid wideout, but is not in their company, nor will he ever be.All I'm saying is if you're planning on double digit TD's from DJ, you're not going to get what you bargained for IMO.

 

[money.never.sleeps]

Jackson is no TO, it would be wise to remember that on draft day. 1,000 yards is possible, but you should feel fortunate if he gets to 7 or 8 TD's. He simply does not have the size to be a consistent red zone option.

You don't have to be big like T.O. to score TDs.I like to compare Jackson to Marvin Harrison.Harrison attained double digit TDs for eight consecutive years...without size.

He also had a QB who sought him out and was a precise route runner... Oh, and Harrison also never threw a ball backwards at the 1 yard line running into the end zone. I think you're accurate on catches/yards but I'm just not sure on the TDs. I def. agree he has the potential but we'll see.

 

[LHUCKS]

You're comparing Jackson to 2 of the best WR's in NFL history.. he's a solid wideout, but is not in their company, nor will he ever be.

I absolutely believe that his ability is on par with Harrison, his route running and hands aren't there, but his quicks and speed are.

All I'm saying is if you're planning on double digit TD's from DJ, you're not going to get what you bargained for IMO.

I'm not "planning" on double digit TDs, simply presenting the argument that his upside this year includes double digit TDs.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

Jackson is no TO, it would be wise to remember that on draft day. 1,000 yards is possible, but you should feel fortunate if he gets to 7 or 8 TD's. He simply does not have the size to be a consistent red zone option.

You don't have to be big like T.O. to score TDs.I like to compare Jackson to Marvin Harrison.Harrison attained double digit TDs for eight consecutive years...without size.

It's a fairly decent comparison but I'm sure you agree that he has a long way to go to really be mentioned in the same breath as Marvin Harrison. Jackson is truly explosive, if D. McNabb stays healthy, he should have a pretty big year. I wouldn't be shocked if Jackson reached the number posted by the original poster, but if I were offered a million dollars to pick the correct answer of over or under to those stats, my initial feeling is that it is under although I'm a Jackson supporter.

 

[Bills_Fan11]

I really like him. Wouldn't say he's getting no respect. About a month ago he was getting taken in the Holmes/Evans territory of mocks; now he's going around Vincent Jackson and Roy Willliams.

 

[LHUCKS]

He also had a QB who sought him out and was a precise route runner...

Mentioned the route running in a previous post so I agree there...as for the QB, McNabb isn't shabby.

I think you're accurate on catches/yards but I'm just not sure on the TDs. I def. agree he has the potential but we'll see.

 

[massraider]

Where DeSean is going, I see a few guys around him with better floors maybe, but not too many guy with his upside. He's a guy that can win you games outright. But you might have to sit through some frustrating weeks, if they spread it around.

One thing I like about him, this guy can have a good week with one catch.

 

[baconisgood]

You don't have to be big like T.O. to score TDs.I like to compare Jackson to Marvin Harrison.

You don't have to be, but it sure as hell helps. It took Harrison till his 4th year to break double digit TDs- and there aren't very many other WRs who break double digit TDs without size. Chad Ocho-johnson-O has 1 10 td season in his career. Desean has a long way to go to become Marvin.

 

[LHUCKS]

It's a fairly decent comparison but I'm sure you agree that he has a long way to go to really be mentioned in the same breath as Marvin Harrison.

We're talking about upside here...I think it's absolutely a fair comparison. As a matter of fact Jackson is faster than Harrison...and I mean easily faster.

 

[LHUCKS]

Where DeSean is going, I see a few guys around him with better floors maybe, but not too many guy with his upside. He's a guy that can win you games outright.

, one of the few WRs that offers upside at his ADP.Been targeting the kid in every draft...love his ADP.

 

[money.never.sleeps]

Where DeSean is going, I see a few guys around him with better floors maybe, but not too many guy with his upside. He's a guy that can win you games outright.

, one of the few WRs that offers upside at his ADP.Been targeting the kid in every draft...love his ADP.

I've been taking Jackson over Royal but based on pure overall ability/skill would you consider Royal > Jackson in PPR/KR/PR team? Or say that if roles were reversed that Royal is the better NFL player?

 

[baconisgood]

It's a fairly decent comparison but I'm sure you agree that he has a long way to go to really be mentioned in the same breath as Marvin Harrison.

We're talking about upside here...I think it's absolutely a fair comparison. As a matter of fact Jackson is faster than Harrison...and I mean easily faster.

I don't usually bother to mention extreme long shot upsides, its usually not worth the time.Harrison didn't become a red zone target for Manning because of his speed- he became one because he was where Manning thought he should be all the time and he seemed to catch anything that touched his fingers.

 

[massraider]

Where DeSean is going, I see a few guys around him with better floors maybe, but not too many guy with his upside. He's a guy that can win you games outright.

, one of the few WRs that offers upside at his ADP.Been targeting the kid in every draft...love his ADP.

I've been taking Jackson over Royal but based on pure overall ability/skill would you consider Royal > Jackson in PPR/KR/PR team? Or say that if roles were reversed that Royal is the better NFL player?

In PPR, I think I'd take Royal. He might catch 30 more balls than DeSean. That's a lot to overcome. And watching Denver, you see the passing game is going through Royal. Depends, really, on if you think Marshall is going to be himself this year. I don't think so. I wouldn't be surprised if an in-season suspension happens.I don't know if return yards factor into it, because I don't know if either one hangs onto return duties.

 

[LHUCKS]

Where DeSean is going, I see a few guys around him with better floors maybe, but not too many guy with his upside. He's a guy that can win you games outright.

, one of the few WRs that offers upside at his ADP.Been targeting the kid in every draft...love his ADP.

I've been taking Jackson over Royal but based on pure overall ability/skill would you consider Royal > Jackson in PPR/KR/PR team? Or say that if roles were reversed that Royal is the better NFL player?

Pure ability I have to take Jackson narrowly. Royal is more skilled IMHO, better hands.Great comparison though, both are great.

 

[LHUCKS]

Harrison didn't become a red zone target for Manning because of his speed- he became one because he was where Manning thought he should be all the time and he seemed to catch anything that touched his fingers.

There's more than one way to score a TD...

 

[LHUCKS]

It's a fairly decent comparison but I'm sure you agree that he has a long way to go to really be mentioned in the same breath as Marvin Harrison.

We're talking about upside here...I think it's absolutely a fair comparison. As a matter of fact Jackson is faster than Harrison...and I mean easily faster.

I don't usually bother to mention extreme long shot upsides, its usually not worth the time.

Double digit TDs is an extreme longshot for Jackson?

 

[money.never.sleeps]

Where DeSean is going, I see a few guys around him with better floors maybe, but not too many guy with his upside. He's a guy that can win you games outright.

, one of the few WRs that offers upside at his ADP.Been targeting the kid in every draft...love his ADP.

I've been taking Jackson over Royal but based on pure overall ability/skill would you consider Royal > Jackson in PPR/KR/PR team? Or say that if roles were reversed that Royal is the better NFL player?

Pure ability I have to take Jackson narrowly. Royal is more skilled IMHO, better hands.Great comparison though, both are great.

call me crazy but do u think Royal and Desean finish ahead of Vjax this year? I have a feeling the Chargers go back to running the ball again instead of spreading it out?I remember seeing an interview with Jerry Rice saying he believes Desean could be the best WR in the NFL at some point in his career. Not sure what to make of it but I respect Rice immensely. Jackson also will go over the middle at times which is not bad for his size? I could be wrong on that bc I havent exactly watched him that much but enough to see that he has big time play making ability.

 

[finito]

I keep hearing the Eagles spread the ball around, and that WRs can't be that productive in this system. Owens was incredibly productive. That's one. Kevin Curtis was *sorta* productive in '07, amassing 1100+ yds and 6 TDs, albeit a lot of that came from a couple of games.

But people aren't mentioning that Donte Stallworth was pretty productive in 2006. Donte Stallworth? Yes, Donte Stallworth.

Stallworth started 11 games (missed several due to a shocking hamstring injury), and managed to put up 725 yds and 5 TDs. His first two games with the Eagles, his stats were:

6 catches, 141 yds, 1 TD

5 catches, 81 yds, 1 TD

Stallworth was hurt the next several weeks, and his hammy plagued him throughout the season, but I don't think it's a stretch to think he was McNabb's go-to-guy, at least before the injury.

Now Philly may spread the ball around but if one guy is just better than the others, then he will get his share. People said New England spread the ball around too much for Randy Moss to succeed, but it obviously wasn't the case. I'm not making an argument that DeSean Jackson is Randy Moss, I'm making an argument that DeSean Jackson is significantly better than any other Eagle WR. Maclin has potential but is probably too raw, and Kevin Curtis just isn't that great. If Jackson is simply more talented, they will find ways to feed him the ball.

I think Jackson is going to make a nice leap into the top 10 this year, with 80+ catches, 1200+ yds and 8-9 TDs.

 

[LHUCKS]

I keep hearing the Eagles spread the ball around, and that WRs can't be that productive in this system. Owens was incredibly productive. That's one. Kevin Curtis was *sorta* productive in '07, amassing 1100+ yds and 6 TDs, albeit a lot of that came from a couple of games.But people aren't mentioning that Donte Stallworth was pretty productive in 2006. Donte Stallworth? Yes, Donte Stallworth. Stallworth started 11 games (missed several due to a shocking hamstring injury), and managed to put up 725 yds and 5 TDs. His first two games with the Eagles, his stats were:6 catches, 141 yds, 1 TD5 catches, 81 yds, 1 TDStallworth was hurt the next several weeks, and his hammy plagued him throughout the season, but I don't think it's a stretch to think he was McNabb's go-to-guy, at least before the injury. Now Philly may spread the ball around but if one guy is just better than the others, then he will get his share. People said New England spread the ball around too much for Randy Moss to succeed, but it obviously wasn't the case. I'm not making an argument that DeSean Jackson is Randy Moss, I'm making an argument that DeSean Jackson is significantly better than any other Eagle WR. Maclin has potential but is probably too raw, and Kevin Curtis just isn't that great. If Jackson is simply more talented, they will find ways to feed him the ball. I think Jackson is going to make a nice leap into the top 10 this year, with 80+ catches, 1200+ yds and 8-9 TDs.

Exactly...of course you spread the ball around when all of your weapons are equally mediocre.Mediocre, Desean Jackson is not.

 

[LHUCKS]

call me crazy but do u think Royal and Desean finish ahead of Vjax this year? I have a feeling the Chargers go back to running the ball again instead of spreading it out?I remember seeing an interview with Jerry Rice saying he believes Desean could be the best WR in the NFL at some point in his career. Not sure what to make of it but I respect Rice immensely. Jackson also will go over the middle at times which is not bad for his size? I could be wrong on that bc I havent exactly watched him that much but enough to see that he has big time play making ability.

A) Royal and Jackson definitely over V-Jax in PPRB) People who know football see DeSean Jackson and know he's the real deal...he has quicks that very few posses...very few.

 

[gianmarco]

Jackson is the best WR, and arguably the best offensive weapon on the Eagles...the Eagles know this and will use him accordingly.

I think his ceiling is a lot higher than people realize.

I don't think there's any question he could come down with 90/1350/12

That would be the high side of his range...more to come from my WR strategy article tonight.

I love Desean but he wont get nowhere near 90 receptions IMO. 78-1240-9. Top-10 WR for 2009.

It's only about 5.5 receptions/game...in the dress rehearsal vs. the Jags he got 4 receptions and a rush in limited play.

There's no question that Jackson can get to 90, particularly if Westbrook and Curtis are their feeble selves.

90 receptions is a conservative upside prediction IMHO.

Too much groupthink in this forum, didn't realize how bad the problem has become...thank God I'm here.

Wow!!. ONLY 5.5 receptions/game? Man, that's easy. Must be why there's so many 90 reception WRs in the league every year. I mean, it's ONLY 5.5 receptions/game. Justin Gage just had 6 catches in his dress rehearsal. 100+ is a lock!!

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

It's a fairly decent comparison but I'm sure you agree that he has a long way to go to really be mentioned in the same breath as Marvin Harrison.

We're talking about upside here...I think it's absolutely a fair comparison. As a matter of fact Jackson is faster than Harrison...and I mean easily faster.

Well, I think we easily forget when our great players leave the game just how great they were and for how long. D. Jackson is coming off a decent rookie season and played in a few preseason football games in his 2nd season. Jackson (nor many WR's in the history of the sport) can't hold a candle to the route running Marvin Harrison displayed or how he could work a sideline or endzone corner and getting his two feet in bounds.Like I mentioned earlier, I like DeSean but comparing him to Harrison because he's faster really doesn't mean a lot. There are a lot of men in this world faster than Marvin Harrison, it doesn't make them a viable comparison as a wide receiver though.

 

[LHUCKS]

Wow!!. ONLY 5.5 receptions/game? Man, that's easy. Must be why there's so many 90 reception WRs in the league every year. I mean, it's ONLY 5.5 receptions/game. Justin Gage just had 6 catches in his dress rehearsal. 100+ is a lock!!

oh boy...A) Nobody said it was easyB) Gage sucksC) Nobody is talking about a "lock" for 90 receptions, and definitely not 100.Try to keep up sparky.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

I love DJax, problem is that he will not get many red zone targets because of his lack of size. Its that simple.

He will catch 90+ balls and see about 5-7tds.

 

[LHUCKS]

Like I mentioned earlier, I like DeSean but comparing him to Harrison because he's faster

I'll stop you right there...that's not why I'm comparing them.The comparison really started with somebody stating Jackson wasn't big enough to score double digit TDs. I do think Harrison is a good comparison because like Jackson, he was lightning quick.I think everyone agrees Harrison was one of the best route runners in the game, and I think we all agree Jackson isn't close to that yet. That being said, with his lightning fast quicks, his ability to get out of breaks is definitely there.

 

[LHUCKS]

I love DJax, problem is that he will not get many red zone targets because of his lack of size. Its that simple. He will catch 90+ balls and see about 5-7tds.

My range is 6-12...it's tough to project upside TD #'s for big play WRs that catch 90 balls.

 

[gianmarco]

Wow!!. ONLY 5.5 receptions/game? Man, that's easy. Must be why there's so many 90 reception WRs in the league every year. I mean, it's ONLY 5.5 receptions/game. Justin Gage just had 6 catches in his dress rehearsal. 100+ is a lock!!

oh boy...

A) Nobody said it was easy

B) Gage sucks

C) Nobody is talking about a "lock" for 90 receptions, and definitely not 100.

Try to keep up sparky.

Nobody said it was easy? So who said the following?

90 receptions is a conservative upside prediction IMHO.

It's only about 5.5 receptions/game

Seems to infer quite clearly that it shouldn't be that difficult for him.I'm keeping up just fine, sparkplug

 

[LHUCKS]

Wow!!. ONLY 5.5 receptions/game? Man, that's easy. Must be why there's so many 90 reception WRs in the league every year. I mean, it's ONLY 5.5 receptions/game. Justin Gage just had 6 catches in his dress rehearsal. 100+ is a lock!!

oh boy...

A) Nobody said it was easy

B) Gage sucks

C) Nobody is talking about a "lock" for 90 receptions, and definitely not 100.

Try to keep up sparky.

Nobody said it was easy? So who said the following?

90 receptions is a conservative upside prediction IMHO.

It's only about 5.5 receptions/game

Seems to infer quite clearly that it shouldn't be that difficult for him.I'm keeping up just fine, sparkplug

I'm saying it's attainable, not easy. Let's not assume here...chief.

 

[Billy Bats]

Jackson is the best WR, and arguably the best offensive weapon on the Eagles...the Eagles know this and will use him accordingly.

I think his ceiling is a lot higher than people realize.

I don't think there's any question he could come down with 90/1350/12

That would be the high side of his range...more to come from my WR strategy article tonight.

I love Desean but he wont get nowhere near 90 receptions IMO. 78-1240-9. Top-10 WR for 2009.

It's only about 5.5 receptions/game...in the dress rehearsal vs. the Jags he got 4 receptions and a rush in limited play.There's no question that Jackson can get to 90, particularly if Westbrook and Curtis are their feeble selves.

90 receptions is a conservative upside prediction IMHO.

Too much groupthink in this forum, didn't realize how bad the problem has become...thank God I'm here.

You can't be serious. There has been only 2 WRs, TWO, in ten years of the McNabb/Reid era that a Philadelphia WR has caught more then 70 footballs in a season. You don't have to join any group think project, but do you watch football?