After an amazing debut in his return to the team where his NFL career began, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson got the attention of the stat gurus over at Pro Football Focus.
The Washington Redskins had to know two things about the Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver corps before the game even kicked off in Week 1. One, DeSean Jackson is one of the most explosive offensive weapons in the NFL, even now that he’s well into his 30s. Every team knows that you have to do everything you can to make sure he doesn’t beat you deep. Second, as good as Jackson is, you can’t ignore Alshon Jeffery either.
He’s just as capable of beating you as ’10’ is.
Well, if you’re a football fan, you know one thing for a fact. Just because you know something, it doesn’t mean that you’ll be able to prevent it from happening.
Jeffery caught a very respectable five passes for 49 yards and a touchdown. Then, he added the first rushing touchdown of his career on a long handoff from Wentz that ’17’ punched in from a yard out.
It was a great day from Jeffery that would have stolen the headlines in most cases, but when a fan-favorite comes home, gets into a war of words with the rivals, and scores on two bombs, that tends to be what everyone talks about.
Jackson hauled in eight passes for 154 yards and two touchdowns. Both were over 50 yards. If you’re familiar with the stat gurus over at Pro Football Focus, you know they love that type of stuff. You’re also probably already familiar with PFF’s team of the week.
Week 1’s version was released recently, and two Eagles found their way onto the squad, Jackson and left tackle, Jason Peters. Here’s what Gordon McGuiness, the writer of this one, had to say.
"Just like he never left! Back with the Eagles, Jackson found himself back in the end zone on the receiving end of some deep passes. Quarterback Carson Wentz hit him on two throws 20-plus yards downfield, totaling 104 yards and two touchdowns."
Here’s the skinny on Jason Peters’ day.
"Peters was once again a force in pass protection for the Eagles in their win over the Redskins. The Eagles dropped back to pass 41 times with him on the field, and he produced a 100.0 pass-blocking efficiency rating with no sacks, hits or hurries allowed."
What’s that saying? If you don’t mention the offensive line, that means they played well. Philly had a goal in mind for their front. Make sure they’re healthy. Make sure there’s some depth. Make sure Carson Wentz isn’t touched. Peters is healthy, and ‘The Bodyguard’ wasn’t letting anybody get to ’11’.
You never even heard Peters’ name on Sunday. Things are off to a great start on Sunday. Next up on the schedule is a trip to Atlanta to face the Falcons on Sunday Night Football.