But here's the thing: Mike Quick had a better overall receiving year in 1983 than Jackson is having this season, and Terrell Owens had a better overall receiving year in 2004. They remain the standard, at least since the NFL merger, for Eagles receivers - and Irving Fryar had a pretty good year in 1997, too.
It is quite true that Jackson has a chance to shatter that standard - but he hasn't done it yet. Listening to Quick describe Jackson's exploits on the Eagles' radio broadcasts - listening to the sheer delight in his voice - tells you all you need to know about this kid and the wow-factor that he brings to the game. Quick never had that and Owens never had it at quite the same level, that wow.
But what they had was size, presence, durability, predictability. There was an elegance to their games when they had those great seasons for the Eagles. There was a sturdiness, too - Quick was an especially good blocker, and both Quick and Owens were great, physical red- zone targets when they needed to be.
At his smaller size, Jackson will never be any of that. But in the laser-lit NFL of the 21st century, the jolts that he provides the Eagles' offense are the perfect style for the times. With nine catches of more than 40 yards already this season, with three games left to play, he has tied T.O.'s mark of 2004. Best as you can tell from the box scores, Quick also had nine in 1983.
And even though it doesn't look like it, especially when the Eagles play against the Giants, coach Andy Reid said it is getting a little harder to scheme Jackson to daylight given all of the defensive attention he is receiving.
