Just How Important Is DeSean Jackson to the Philadelphia Eagles?

For the past decade or so, one main thing that has kept the Eagles from ending what is now a 48-year championship drought: RECEIVERS.

Sure, they made attempts to draft and sign receivers that they thought could step in and be a game changer, getting it right only once with Terrell Owens, but we all know how that came to an end.

The latest disappointment being former 33rd overall pick Reggie Brown, who has struggled mightily to get involved and catch the football. Now it seems as if Andy Reid and his staff have finally gotten it right.

DeSean Jackson has given the Eagles that spark that has been missing from the team since the days of T.O. His speed, his attitude, his ability to get separation, and the way he can put up six points in the drop of a hat has given both the Eagles' offense and special teams a new dimension.

Jackson went into the 2008 NFL draft projected to go anywhere in the late first round, but shockingly, and luckily, he fell to the Eagles at pick No. 49. His size was the immediate question, as he is not the most imposing receiver at 5'9" and 175 pounds, soaking wet with cinder blocks tied to his feet.

From the moment this kid stepped onto the the field at Lehigh University for training camp, you could see the speed and agility that made him an All-American at California.

The only question was whether Andy Reid would do what he usually does with an impressive rookie and limit his playing time in the regular season.

From the very beginning, it was pretty evident that Reid would use his new toy in a wide variety of ways, and on opening day against St. Louis, we got a glimpse at what this exciting rookie is capable of.

"Fraction Jackson" is the Eagles' leading receiver through the first six games, compiling 29 receptions for 433 yards and one touchdown.

On special teams, Jackson has been equally impressive, compiling a 13.3 average thus far, highlighted by an electrifying 68-yard punt return for a touchdown in Week Five against Washington.

Now, don't get me wrong, I don't intend on making Jackson out to be a receiving god of any type. I realize that his career has just started and there is a lot of room for improvement in his game.

However, when you look at the Eagles' receiving corps a year ago compared to now, there is a big difference with the addition of Jackson accompanying Kevin Curtis.

The future is very bright for DeSean Jackson, and Eagles fans have a lot to look forward to in the coming seasons.