Yes, the contract issue is disturbing DeSean

DeSean Jackson didn't miss Saturday's meeting because he overslept. Or if he did sleep late, it was intentional.

Jackson wouldnt come right out and say italthough a teammate didbut it certainly appears his truancy was a statement not about his need of a new alarm clock but insteadand not surprisinglyabout his desire for a new contract.

Jackson was deactivated for Sunday's loss to Arizona because he failed to attend a team meeting a day earlier. Initially, it was thought that Jackson simply overslept (see post). But Monday morning, Jackson explained that the reason was anything but simple; he didn't mention anything about sleeping too late.

For people to say whatever it is, they dont know what Im going through. Im the one that has to come to work. Im the one that has to be here. Everyone can have their own opinion, but Im the one thats dealing with it, Jackson said.

Dealing with what?

Im not going to sit here and get into it. I think its obvious, Jackson said. Everyone knows the situation, knows the case. As a professional and as a man, you just really have to handle things. I can admit to some things that Ive done, that I need to better, which I think everybody at a period of time in their life figures out what it is.

Everybody knows the contract situation. As a human being, there are things you have to go through in life. I realize what it is. Im just ready to just continue and just go forward. Im not thinking about nothing else that happened. Whatever I did in the past, its over. Its done. I know what I need to do and Im going to make it happen.

Jackson explained himself to his teammates and understood the punishment levied by head coach Andy Reid.

As man, what he did, I respect him. He had to do what he had to do for the teams sake, from a head coachs point of view, so Im kind of over and done with that, Jackson said. I kind of wish it could have happened differently.

Reid said Jackson is still a starter and believes the fourth-year receiver learned from the experience.

Ive always had a good relationship with DeSean," Reid said. "Now listen, Ive done this with other players, so we cant forget that part. Ive done this two or three times with other players where Ive sat them down, so its just one of those things that happens. And I will tell you that, myself included, nobody is bigger than the football team, and so if youre wrong in a spot then you have consequences, too. And thats how it works.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie believes Jacksons words were heartfelt.

"I thought he was genuine. You could see it in him. He got cracked up a little bit. That's how I felt that what he said was real, and I respect him, Rodgers-Cromartie said.

He talked about just how sorry he was and the things that he was going through. Not really making excuses but just giving us insight on why he was doing this and that and the things that hes going to do better and basically become the guy that we need him to be.

Rodgers-Cromartie clarified the issue.

His issue is contract and stuff like that, and just basically having a hard time, he said. You can kind of feel where he's coming from. He feels like he's put in the time and effort and statistically, he's proven to make plays, and I can understand that.

In the final year of his rookie deal, Jackson is earning about 600,000 this season. A team source indicated Sunday that the missed meeting wasnt the seasons first incident with Jackson, who briefly held out of training camp.

Without Jackson on Sunday, the Eagles offense sputtered. Jeremy Maclin, who suffered shoulder and hamstring injuries, Jason Avant, Steve Smith and Riley Cooper combined for only eight receptions. Michael Vick, who suffered broken ribs and is uncertain for Sunday against the Giants, finished with a paltry passer rating of 32.5.

Any player that says we didnt miss Jackson is not being honest, said LeSean McCoy, who rushed only 14 times for 81 yards.

For Jackson, watching the game on TV did more than show his value to the offense.

Me not playing this Sunday, I was able to sit back at home, watch the game, and realize what it is that I can do better, Jackson said. Im just ready to do everything I need to do to continuewhatever it is I need to do, thats what Im going to do.

Jackson, who has 29 catches for 503 yards and two scores this season, says the contract issue hasnt hindered his performance. Instead, defenses have been playing deep, allowing him to clear space for other receivers.

Its not no detriment to no play, he said. The results might not be the sameeverybody might say attitude or hes not producing as well, but you have to watch film and really have to see whats going on. You have to analyze it. You have to watch what teams are doing as well as besides me not getting the stats and things like that.

E-mail Andy Schwartz at aschwartz@comcastsportsnet.com.