With Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson returning to practice for the first time in 2011 on Saturday, it remains to be seen how quickly he’ll be back in top football shape.
The supreme confidence that has helped an undersized wideout become one of the most dynamic players in the league already is firmly in place.
Jackson spoke after practice regarding his impact on the team’s cornerbacks. “Any time I get to go against [Asante Samuel], I like to work on my game just as well as he likes to go against me, because he probably won’t face any other receivers as fast as me,” Jackson said, via NFL.com. “We were able to get in some good work vs. each other. I got some work against Nnamdi [Asomugha], too, today. It’s great for me to improve. All that helps toward my game.”
Jackon’s body may indeed be ready to match his boasts.
“He’s got fresh legs compared to the other guys, who are tired,” coach Andy Reid said. “He always has a little bounce in his step anyway. He’s got that great speed, and the nice part is that you can tell he’s been working. He was able to function at a high level out here, and that’s a plus.”
It’s a huge plus for a team that will be facing a high degree of pressure to excel, starting four weeks from today when the Eagles visit St. Louis.