DeSean Jackson Needs To Worry Less about Birthday Bash, More about Effort

As evident in an article by Robert Littal of Black Sports Online, the image of Philadelphia Eagles WR DeSean Jackson clearly needs some help—especially after Jackson's rather questionable "birthday celebration":

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When you are trying to get a new contract and your current reputation is in the trash you probably want to go low key with your birthday celebration.

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Littal goes on to add:

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Are you paying attention, DeSean, do you see how you are being portrayed?

The crazy thing was this [the "party"] was BEFORE the game last night [Thursday]. You know how to contact me, I suggest you do so before it is too late.

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I couldn't agree more with Littal. Jackson's reputation is sinking—and fast. Sure, he's still one of the NFL's most dangerous return men and fastest players, but with only 43 receptions for 698 yards and just two TDs this season, he has no reason to self-promote.

At least when Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco were looked at as controversial players, they were still dominating on the field.

As for Jackson, he hasn't caught more than six passes in one game this season, in spite of Philadelphia's other offensive injuries increasing his own opportunities. If DeSean wants us to believe that he's more than just a return man playing WR, well, he needs to make his QBs better.

On Thursday against Seattle, it only got worse. As described in an article by Gregg Rosenthal of NBC Sports, Jackson's effort appeared to hit a new low:

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One week after dropping a few passes and shying away from some hits over the middle, Jackson’s performance in the first half of Thursday’s game won’t quiet down the talk radio callers in Philadelphia.

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Rosenthal continued:

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Jackson was targeted on an interception early, but that wasn’t his worst play. On one deep route, Jackson didn’t even bother to turn around to help Vince Young out. Later, cameras showed Young trying to talk to Jackson on the bench while Jackson stared off in the distance.

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Perhaps we can sum up this disappointing season for Philadelphia by DeSean's actions. They're loaded with talent, but their egos are so big that it's hard for them to work well as a team.

If they had been working well together, then the Eagles wouldn't be sitting with a 4-8 record and in last place in the NFC East. Yes, injuries have hurt them and 2012 will be a much better year. However, Jackson's effort basically sums of the season for Philly in a nutshell.

Just having the talent doesn't guarantee anything, because being dubbed the "paper champions" doesn't count for anything.

Include the contractual position between Jackson and the Eagles, and, well, the whole situation between both parties is simply unfortunate.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27