Tag Archives: desean jackson
Video: DeSean Jackson Punt Return TD in Tecmo Bowl
As if Giants fans haven’t suffered enough. Now, they can see DeSean Jackson’s amazing punt return touchdown as time expired reenacted on Tecmo Bowl.
Too bad they don’t have Tom Coughlin running out on the field and verbally abusing Matt Dodge.
NFL Needs to Protect Players Not Just Punish Them
DeSean Jackson laid motionless on the ground for several minutes after suffering a bone crushing blow from Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dunta Robinson.
Jackson was diagnosed with a severe concussion and reportedly suffered memory loss. This is Jackson’s second concussion in less than one year. Last season, he missed one game after suffering a concussion in a game against the Washington Redskins.
The collision involving Jackson, in addition to the Brandon Meriweather hit on Todd Heap and James Harrison’s two blows against Cleveland Browns all drew nationwide attention this weekend. The NFL has responded by issuing fines to the respective players and that starting this week will issue harsher penalties, including suspensions, for illegal hits.
We could argue all day about whether the NFL is taking the right course of action or overreacting. Certainly something needs to be done, but at the same time football is a violent game and the players assume certain risks by signing a contract to play in this league. Both sides have valid arguments, but I’m not here to discuss that.
Back to Jackson who stands 5-10 and weights 175 pounds soaking wet. He is almost certainly out for this week’s game (yet somehow he hasn’t been ruled “out” for this week’s game for some reason) and most reports have him targeting a Week 9 return.
If the NFL and the 32 teams really takes this issue seriously they need to protect these players. Don’t let a 175 pound receiver who has suffered two concussions in less than one year and is now more susceptible to suffer a third concussion return to the field in Week 9. In fact, I don’t want to see him play for at least a month. If you really want to make a statement, prevent him playing the rest of the season. However, based on the Eagles track record of dealing with concussions, I wouldn’t expect it.
The information about long-term effects of concussions haven’t been completely detailed, but the early prognosis has been anything but pleasant. The findings have been hard to stomach at times.
The NFL can suspend and fine players as much as they please, but it’s not going to suddenly completely stop the problem. Violent hits will still occur no matter what is done. That’s the way football is played and it’s how these players have been trained. That’s not going to change overnight and it might be some time before we see a significant change. In addition to what the NFL is already doing, they need to focus on the players that suffer from these bone crushing blows.
Start with something simple. If a player suffers a concussion of any sorts they must sit out at least one game. If they suffer another concussion, sit at least four weeks and I’m inclined to say eight weeks. God forbid three concussions and they’re out for the year. I realize it would be near impossible for the NFL to institute a provision like this, but that doesn’t mean individual team’s and their medical staffs can’t adopt something similar.
DeSean Jackson should be nowhere near the field come November 7th when the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Indianapolis Colts. If he is, it will show the NFL, the Eagles, and Jackson have learned nothing from this experience.
Video: DeSean Jackson, Dunta Robinson Collision
With the Eagles facing a third and six, Kevin Kolb stood in the pocket looking for a receiver. Pressure was coming and he released the ball finding DeSean Jackson cutting across the field on a crossing route. Unfortunately, Dunta Robinson was coming full speed right at Jackson and the two collided. Both fell to the ground and remained there motionless for a few minutes. Eventually, they both got up and walked off the field. However, they both suffered concussions and didn’t return to the game. Jackson reportedly suffered a “severe concussion” and memory loss.
On the play, Robinson was flagged for a 15 yard penalty, but as you can see in the video the hit was clean as there was no helmet to helmet hit.
NFC East Breakout Players
We kick off the NFC today with a look at the NFC East. The toughest division in football last year looks like it will be a dogfight again and these brejout players could make the difference in who makes the playoffs and who goes home.
Dallas Cowboys- Martellus Bennett
Bennett can silence the critics with his play this year.
Bennett has made a lot of noise this off season for his off the field antics but is also impressing on the field. The talented tight end’s immaturity may be the only thing holding him breaking out. With the rapid development of Bennett the Cowboys will use a two tight end set as their base formation this season. Combine that will the departure of Terrell Owens and Bennett will be looking at a lot more targets. Even with Jason Witten ahead of him on the depth chart I wouldn’t be surprised if Bennett finished third on the team in receiving.
New York Giants- Terrell Thomas
Thomas has a nice season as a rookie last year and will look to build off that this season. Playing mostly in a nickel and dime role Thomas impressed and even started two games due to injuries. With Aaron Ross currently nursing a nagging hamstring injury Thomas has an opportunity to seize the starting job. Playing opposite Corey Webster will not hurt as well as having perhaps the best pass rush in the game. A complete corner, Thomas could have a big season this year.
Philadelphia Eagles- DeSean Jackson
Jackson was electrifying as a rookie igniting the Eagles offense. He finished the season just short of 1000 yards and looks like the number one receiver the Eagles have been searching for ever since Terrell Owens left town. As good as he was last season he still made rookie mistakes, most noticeably prematurely dropping the ball before he crossed the end zone which could have been very costly. With another year of seasoning Jackson should be even better this year as he becomes Donovan McNabb’s clear number one target.
