Early in the first half, DeSean Jackson watched a would-be touchdown clunk of his fingertips.
Maybe the Eagles could have used that as evidence against him at the negotiating table.
However, when he broke free for a 41-yard reception in the first quarter, the case for him got a solid vote. And when he hauled in a 6-yard scoring strike in the third quarter — simply outracing the coverage to the back of the end zone — the tables might have turned. Jackson finished with six catches – 12 targets – for 102 yards and a score.
“He made some nice plays,” coach Andy Reid said.
True to his preseason word, the star receiver is here to play football, not talk about contracts.
“I know my time is coming soon,” Jackson said after Sunday’s 31-13 win. “The atmosphere, the relationship with the Eagles has been real real good lately, so I’m just going to keep doing what I need to do, keep my mouth quiet and just have fun.”
Jackson is still under his rookie contract, which pays him about $560,000 this season. When he showed up at training camp, he promised not to be a distraction. Still, some questioned whether he might take plays off, hide from contact or refuse to return punts.
Not the case. In fact, he was back there returning punts in St. Louis.
“All I can do is control what I’m able to do and that’s go out there and play football, and make as many big plays as possible,” Jackson said.
He did admit that it can be tough, especially when he sees his colleagues cashing in. Most recently, Mike Vick signed a six-year, $100 million deal to remain in Philadelphia through the 2016 season.
“It’s challenging at times … I’m a positive person. I’m leaving it in God’s hands,” Jackson said.
