DeSean Jackson spoke candidly Wednesday about the lack of vocal leaders on this Eagles team.
“When I came in it was a little different just with the leadership and the personnel that was here. Those folks are not here anymore, so the team that presents itself now, whoever it is somebody is going to have to be that person,” said Jackson. “Myself, I’m not a big vocal guy as far as yelling and screaming and doing all that, just try to go out there and show by example. As far anybody being that vocal guy, there is really nobody on this team that is like a Brian Dawkins. We don’t have that here.”
Is that a problem?
“It might be. But I can’t speak on that because we don’t have that going on with this team,” said Jackson. “When I was a young guy coming up through the organization that’s who we counted on, Brian Dawkins, [Brian] Westbrook, guys like that. Being here eight, seven, 10 years, whatever the case may be. The guys here now we have to mold together to get things done.”
DeMeco Ryans is often pointed to as one of the natural leaders on this team, but this is his first year in Philadelphia. He is not speaking from a place of authority when it comes to representing this organization.
Jackson talked last season about how some of the newcomers had yet to learn what it means to be an Eagle. The next six weeks will help determine which players have run out of time to figure it out.
“If people still want to be here next year, everybody just has to step it up a notch,” said Jackson. “In crucial times, everybody is under a microscope. Everybody is probably being looked at extra hard. If you want to still be here, my suggestion is to continue the things you need to do to keep a job and be a professional and go out there and produce and do what your job asks you to do.”
Vick, McCoy Still Sidelined
Michael Vick and LeSean McCoy are still in Stage 1 of the concussion testing. Andy Reid said that Vick is close to progressing to Stage 2, and stated again that he is the starter when healthy. The smart money is on both sitting out Monday night against the Panthers.
Vincent, Carlin entering the Eagles HOF
Troy Vincent and longtime team employee Leo Carlin will be inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame at halftime Monday.
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