DeSean '09 vs. DeSean '10
After DeSean Jackson's monster game Sunday night, is he on pace to have a better season than he had in '09? Here's a look at the numbers.
Jackson has 14 catches of 25 yards or more, second in the NFL behind the Broncos' Brandon Lloyd.
Last year, he had a total of 18 catches that gained 20 yards or more. With three games left, he's already got 19 this season.
And keep in mind that the first two columns in the above chart are slightly deceiving. They count Jackson's numbers against the Falcons, when he was knocked out in the first quarter.
Take that game away, and he's averaging 4.1 catches and 93.8 yards per game.
It's amazing how Jackson's performance has been a great indicator of whether the Eagles win or lose. In victories, he's averaging 27.2 yards per catch and has six touchdowns. In defeat, he's averaging 8.3 yards per catch and has zero scores.
Two other notes on his splits: Jackson has done a lot of damage early in games. Over 48 percent of his yards and five of his six touchdowns have come in the first quarter.
And the big plays often are a result of the Eagles taking chances on first down. Nearly 57 percent of Jackson's yards and four of his touchdowns have come on first down.
So, while there's still a lot to be decided in the final three games, it's fair to assume that the Eagles will try to get Jackson the ball early against the Giants, Vikings and Cowboys.
And it's also fair to say that up to this point in the season, he's been a more effective deep threat than he was in 2009.
Earlier Monday, I posted Man Up on the defense.