When DeSean Jackson was released by the Philadelphia Eagles this past offseason, the decision was met with much hand-wringing and consternation. It was perceived as a given that Jackson was the epitome of what Chip Kelly would want in a wide receiver, as Jackson posted career numbers in both receptions and yardage on his way to the Pro Bowl last season.
Sure, he was small. But he was dynamic. Yes, he was brash and brazen. But he was explosive. Maybe he enjoyed going out a bit too much. But he could stretch defenses and keep opponents from stacking the box and selling out to stop LeSean McCoy and the vaunted Eagles run game.
Fast forward to now.
The Eagles are 2-0, one of only three NFC teams to post that mark, the offense is first in the league in yards and points, and many players on the team are still baffled by Kelly and general manager Howie Roseman's decision to let Jackson go for nothing.
In an article published in the Philadelphia Inquirer today, Jeff McLane asked 21 current Eagles players how, five months later, they view the decision to release Jackson.
"I didn't see it coming at all," linebacker Mychal Kendricks said last week. "It's really none of my business, but I still ask the same question a lot - 'Why? Why would that happen?' "
"For someone that's so explosive and so dynamic, it was surprising to all of us," receiver Riley Cooper said. "We didn't know this was going to happen. . . . But Chip said that it was a football move. We all had to respect it and we all had to rally around and wish DeSean the absolute best."
Josh Huff, a recent Eagles draft pick and former Oregon Duck, claimed that this was just Kelly doing what he thinks is right. "Just knowing Chip, I know that he has zero tolerance for anything," Huff said. "No matter what type of player you are for him, whether you're a star receiver or an X-factor, starting quarterback or anybody, he's going to make an example out of somebody, and unfortunately it had to be DeSean."
Whatever the reason for his release, the Eagles will get their first crack at going up against Jackson and his prodigious talent this weekend when they play host to Washington.
"At the end of the day, one man down, the next man up," Kendrick said. "It's that type of league. Those are big shoes to fill, but nonetheless, they will be filled."
