Watch CBS News

Sports Beyond Measure: Jamaal Jackson On The Resurgent Eagles Run Game

By Ray Boyd

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Eagles decisive win over the Cowboys has the entire fan base buzzing. Now sitting at 9-3, the Eagles have a chance to further strengthen their position in the conference with a win over the defending Super Bowl Champion Seahawks.

On the latest Sports Beyond Measure Podcast, former Eagles center Jamaal Jackson joined the crew to discuss the Eagles and t0 give his impression on where the team currently stands as they continue an important stretch of games.

"I think for the most part they got back to actually showing the world what Chip Kelly's offense is made of," Jackson said of the team's 33-10 win over the Cowboys. "It really impressed me to see those guys operating at such an accelerated rate."

LISTEN: Jamaal Jackson on CBSPhilly's Sports Beyond Measure (interview begins at the 6:00 mark)

One group not so thrilled was the Cowboys' defensive unit. Eagles fans have become accustomed to seeing opposing defenders get gassed when facing the Eagles up-tempo offense, but it was clear that the Cowboys defense was hurting from the effects of the speed and the short week.

One of the major contributing factors to the Cowboys' woes was the play of LeSean McCoy.

Jackson touched on the fact that when an offense can impose their will on a defense with the running game, it brings a whole new dynamic to a team.

"Rhythm wise, [a strong running game] is everything because you can go in your bag of plays and pretty much call anything." The success in the run game clearly allowed for the Eagles to open things up on the Cowboys with screen plays and even read option plays that allowed Mark Sanchez to gain some yardage and score a rushing touchdown.

Jackson added that when a team's offense is clicking with the way the Eagles had it going against Dallas people who don't typically have a say will even chime in on what to do next.

"I remember one time I went over to Marty [Mornhinweg] and I said 'lets run this play.' I'm a center," Jackson joked.

The play of McCoy was certainly a welcomed sight for Eagles fans, but Jackson also took some time to point out the contributions of a particularly former linemate of his, Jason Peters. The Eagles' left tackle has been the only consistent part of the line this season among a rash of injuries and Jackson had high praise for his former teammate.

"What's so impressive about Jason is he can run with anybody and you want your tackles to be the most athletic on the line. He's just as quick in a five yard radius as J.J. Watt is."

Jackson went on to call Peters a cornerstone of the Eagles' success this season.

Before Jackson wrapped things up, he shared his view on what the Eagles would do in their upcoming match up with the Seahawks.

"I like their chances," Jackson said of the Eagles. He pointed to the fact that the Eagles would have to do what the Chargers did against the Seattle defense, which was to utilize Antonio Gates in the middle of the field.

Jackson added that the middle of the field would be a strong option for the Eagles because you have to "pick your poison," with the likes of Richard Sherman on the outside.

The Sports Beyond Measure Podcast is a weekly sports podcast that delivers a fun perspective on the latest headlines in Philadelphia professional sports as well as community-based sports. The series is hosted by 94 WIP's Vince Quinn, Ray Boyd and Eric "Turtle" Golden.

Check Out These Sports Stories:

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.