When Giants Stadium is ready to come down, maybe DeSean Jackson can serve as the TNT. The Eagles receiver proved he’s explosive enough last night.
The speedy second-year man had a punt return for a touchdown, a catch for a touchdown and more big plays than Broadway.
Jackson spent the night making Giants defenders look silly with jukes, dekes and plain speed. After two long touchdowns against the Giants, Jackson has eight touchdowns of 50 yards or more this season, tying an NFL record held by Devin Hester (2007) and Elroy “Crazylegs” Hirsch (1951).
He had six catches for 178 yards as the Eagles moved into sole possession of first place in the NFC East.
“He’s pretty stinking exciting,” Eagles coach Andy Reid said. “I’m glad he’s on our team.”
Jackson missed last week with a concussion but returned last night with a bang. The first blow he struck came late in the second quarter. He took a Jeff Feagles punt 72 yards to the end zone, giving the Eagles a 24-10 lead. On the play, he caught the ball at the 28, made a nice hesitation move to make Bryan Kehl miss, then sped up the sideline past a diving Feagles.
“I said I was going to come back strong,” Jackson said. “I told the team I was going to come back strong.”
Jackson was heard from again just before halftime when he made a 44-yard catch to set up a Michael Vick touchdown.
The Jackson fireworks continued in the second half when Donovan McNabb hit a wide-open Jackson for a 60-yard score to put Philadelphia back on top, 37-31. The play erased the Giants’ only lead of the night, which lasted for all of 20 seconds.
McNabb had more than four seconds to find Jackson as the Giants defensive line stood still. Jackson got lost behind the Giants defense. Aaron Ross made a last-ditch dive to deflect the ball to no avail.
Jackson backpedaled his way into the end zone, taunting the Giants on the way. A fan tossed a beer bottle at him as he celebrated, but even that missed him.
“DeSean was feeling it,” Reid said. “He was bugging me the whole time on the sideline that he wanted the ball.”
The Giants are used to seeing big plays from Jackson. He had a 54-yard score against them in their first meeting this year.
“When the game’s on the line he wants the ball,” Reid said. “I don’t mind giving it to him.”
McNabb and Jackson have clicked, giving the Eagles a weapon they have not had since Terrell Owens left town.
Jackson was one of the few impact players the Eagles have healthy on offense. Brian Westbrook, recovering from multiple concussions, was inactive and receiver Jeremy Maclin left the game with a foot injury.