Skip to content

Jackson making presence felt early in return to Eagles

Icon Sportswire / Getty

DeSean Jackson is the star of Philadelphia Eagles training camp thus far.

The 32-year-old receiver, now in his second stint with the Eagles, has apparently shined in every practice thus far. His chemistry with quarterback Carson Wentz will likely go a long way in determining the team's offensive success in 2019.

"Every day, (our chemistry) grows," Wentz said, according to The Associated Press' Rob Maaddi. "Whether it's on the field and you can actually see it with live reps or after practice, off the side in between reps and team drills, we're talking, watching film. Chemistry grows in a million different ways, so to get those opportunities on the field, you see it and it's exciting."

"The deep ball threat that he is, he just takes pressure off the other guys and opens up a lot of things underneath," he added. "He threatens defenders in a different way. He can do things underneath. He can do things after the catch."

By all indications, Jackson hasn't slowed down in the latter stages of his career. His deep speed and precise route running were on full display during practice and his teammates are taking notice.

"We haven't had a player like him since he left," tight end Zach Ertz said. "There's no route he can't run, no play you don't want to get him involved in. Defenses just have to know where he is every play or it's going to be a 70-yard touchdown. He just makes everyone else's job so much easier. I couldn't be more thrilled to have him back."

The veteran wideout was traded to Philadelphia from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in March. He amassed 41 receptions for 774 yards and four touchdowns in 12 games last season, leading the NFL with 18.9 yards per catch.

Jackson was a second-round pick of the Eagles in 2008 and will give Wentz his first true deep threat since entering the league.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox