DeSean Jackson haunts Eagles again, leads Redskins to win

By AP
Published

PHILADELPHIA (AP) DeSean Jackson worked the opposing sideline before the game, exchanging hugs , handshakes and smiles with stadium personnel and others he knew from his six seasons playing for the Eagles.

Jackson then worked over Philadelphia's secondary.

The speedy wide receiver had another big game on a familiar field playing in front of fans who want to see him return to the Eagles. He caught three passes for 102 yards, including a spectacular 80-yard touchdown in Washington's 27-22 win on Sunday.

Notably missing were the boos that greeted him the last three times he came to Philly.

''That was interesting,'' Jackson said. ''Who wants to get booed? Always good to get support.''

Jackson went to three Pro Bowls in six seasons with the Eagles, but then-coach Chip Kelly released him after his most productive year in 2013. The 30-year-old will be a free agent after this season and already said he wouldn't mind returning to Philadelphia.

''You never know how it'll play out,'' Jackson said.

The Eagles haven't had a deep threat since Jackson left and need a receiver with his skills to give Carson Wentz another playmaker.

For now, Jackson wants to help the Redskins (7-5-1) return to the playoffs. The defending NFC East champions snapped a two-game losing streak with their comeback win.

''If we even want to talk about playoffs, we had to win this one first,'' Jackson said.

Down 13-7 at halftime, the Redskins went ahead in the third quarter when Kirk Cousins connected with Jackson on a deep ball down the middle. Jackson made a twisting, over-the-shoulder catch and spun away from Leodis McKelvin before slowing down and jogging into the end zone.

''We got the coverage we wanted,'' Cousins said. ''I threw it out to him and he did the rest. A special play by him. He has a few elite traits and that's one of them. He can track the ball better than most receivers.''

Redskins coach Jay Gruden credits Jackson's baseball background for his ability to make similar plays.

''DeSean would've been a world-class center fielder,'' Gruden said. ''He adjusts to the ball and tracks it like no other.''

Jackson hasn't had the same success in Washington that he had in Philadelphia. He does well against his former team, however. Jackson has three 100-yard games in five tries against the Eagles.

''I wish I could do it every game no matter which team I'm playing against,'' he said. ''I'm just here to do my job. My job is to run fast and catch balls whether it's 2 yards or 60. I don't call the plays.''

As for baseball, Jackson joked about giving it a try.

''I think about going back and playing sometimes,'' he said. ''Go steal some bases. Go play for the (Nationals).''

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