Jackson wows fans, teammates in first practice

BETHLEHEM, Pa.DeSean Jackson was about three minutes into his first practice with the 2011 Philadelphia Eagles when he found himself matched up with Asante Samuel in an 11-on-11 full-team drill.

Jackson sprinted down the middle of the field, cut to the right, then immediately reversed field and cut to the left, opening up just the slightest bit of daylight between himself and Samuel.

The moment Jackson began streaking toward the left corner of the end zone, Michael Vick lofted the football high in the air. The crowd of about 7,000 at Lehigh began buzzing louder and louder as it became apparent that the ball was headed to the exact same point as Jackson.

Samuel, still in good coverage, turned to the ball and got his hands up, but the ball somehow found its way into the waiting hands of Jackson, who secured it without breaking stride and raced toward the end zone.

The crowd roared.

DeSean is back.

It was a lot of fun, Jackson said after his first practice of the summer. Its good to get back into the swing of things. Legs feeling good, feeling fresh, ready to get back out there and begin contributing to my team.

Jackson missed the first 21 practices of training camp while holding out to protest his contract, whichfor nowpays him the NFL fourth-year minimum of 600,000 this year. Based on average annual salary, Jackson is the 85th-highest-paid receiver in the NFL.

But on Saturday morning, he wasnt disgruntled or unhappy or bitter. He was just typical DeSean, running past every Pro Bowl cornerback that tried to cover him.

Jackson put on a dazzling display for the fans at Lehigh Saturday morning. He caught every ball thrown his way and several thrown not quite his way. He made a series of spectacular catches and big plays to the delight of the enthusiastic weekend crowd.

That was fun to watch, tight end Clay Harbor said. He came out today and looked like he didnt miss a beat. Caught the ball well, showed his great burst -- it was exciting to see him back out there. It really brought a lift to the offense.

You know how explosive Jackson is. His 10 TDs of 60 yards are more are most in NFL history by a player before his 24th birthdayone more than Gale Sayers.

And you know how ridiculously talented the Eagles secondary is. Samuel, Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie are all Pro Bowlers.

And when Jackson worked Saturday morning against one of the Big 3 corners, all eyes were on the matchup.

For a wide receiver, its honestly good for myself going against Nnamdi, Cromartie, Asante, Jackson said. It really doesnt get any better than that with top three corners like that.

Jackson got the best of Samuel Saturday morning when the two were matched up in various drills1-on-1, 7-on-7, 11-on-11.

Theyre best friends, Pro Bowl teammates, all-pro trash talkers and fierce competitors. And they put on quite a show Saturday.

After Jackson had torched Samuel twice in a row, Samuel laughed and yelled to the fans sitting a few feet away: I just let him catch those so hed feel better after what happened last year.

Presumably, last year Samuel got the best of Jackson. But so far this year, its D-Jack 1, Sant 0.

Asantes a Pro Bowl cornerback and anytime I get to go against him, its a great opportunity, Jackson said. I like to work on my game just as well as he likes to go against me, because he probably wont face any receivers as fast as me, and were able to get in some good work against each other. Its great for me to improve. All that helps toward my game. Couple more days to keep working and get ready for the next preseason game.

Jackson also got some chances to work Saturday against Asomugha and Rodgers-Cromartie, the Eagles two other Pro Bowl corners.

While not quite as compelling, it was still very competitive.

Any time you have that in practice, its always going to help you out, Jackson said. Its a challenge, but at the same time, but I consider myself one of the best receivers in this league. So for me to go against that every day right here in practice, by the time I get to the game, Ill be ready.

Jackson will make his 2011 preseason debut Thursday night, when the Eagles face the Steelers at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.

It cant be any more impressive than what he did Saturday.

Hes as fast as ever, Chad Hall said. Maybe faster.

Jackson and Vick picked up right where they left off last year when they connected on TD plays of 45, 61, 88 and 91 yards.

Ive seen him the last three years, I know what hes capable of, Vick said. I know what he can do when hes on the field. Hes made big plays after big play. Just put the ball in his hands and let him work.

Its great to have DeSean back out here, safety Nate Allen said. It raises the competition level of everybody. Hes such a unique guy. Hes just ... DeSean. Youre focused mainly on your role on each play, but, yeah, you cant help get a kick out of what hes doing out here.
E-mail Reuben Frank at rfrank@comcastsportsnet.com. Follow him on Twitter @RoobCSN.