Nothing positive came out of the Eagles loss to the Vikings, but one thing became increasing clear when it comes to the Birds this season, the play of DeSean Jackson as a wide receiver. I know what people are thinking, what say a bad word about DJ, I know its hard but sometimes your best offensive players have to take the blame for what happens.
Against the Giants, Jackson made on of the most memorable plays in Eagles history with his punt return, but against the Vikings, Jackson's faults as a receiver came to light. For all of his talents Jackson is not a big time receiver, he is a big time play makers and there is a huge difference between the two. During the Vikings game, Jackson failed to get across the defensive backs several times almost leading to several interceptions. Another thing that became clearer during the game was when Mike Vick started to get flushed from the pocket Jackson never worked his way back to the Vick, like you are taught to do when your quarterback takes off. At one point during the game, Vick was talking to the Jackson and being really animated, I could only guess it was about the same issue.
Something is also becoming clear, when Vick needs to convert a big third down he looks for one man and its not DJ10, its Jeremy Maclin and the reason is simple. Maclin might be on the best route runners in the leagues and always gives Vick a good target to throw and the yardage that is needed.
Maybe over the next couple of years Maclin can teach DJ how to be come a big time receiver and not just a big time play maker.I know some people will never say anything bad about DJ, because of his play making ability, but the time has come for him to develop into the player that everyone thinks that he can be.
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