Florio wrote this morning that DeSean Jackson’s recent lack of focus was likely related to his lack of a new contract.
Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer adds fuel to the fire with a report this afternoon saying Jackson is indeed preoccupied and allowing the situation to become a distraction to him.
“The disconnect between player and team was brought into focus Sunday when Jackson declined to field practice punts before the Bears’ game, and Reid disciplined the 24-year-old after the bitter loss to Chicago,” McLane writes.
Jackson reportedly spends an “inordinate” amount of time texting with his agent during the team’s work day, which seems like a minor offense to be sure. Still, sources “close to Jackson” say the receiver is concerned about his statistical production because it could be used against him in contract negotiations.
The concussion Jackson suffered early in the season can’t help matters. Jackson is smart to avoid contact because of his size, but it appears he hasn’t gone all out for the ball in recent weeks.
In the end, there is little reason to think Jackson won’t be part of the team”s future. There’s also plenty of reason to think he’ll be smiling after Thursday night’s game.
Facing the Texans secondary tends to cure a lot of problems.