Eagles’ Jackson Is Looking for a Little Respect

Earnest Jackson could be excused if he feels like the Philadelphia Eagles’ version of Rodney Dangerfield.

Jackson, who has gained more than 1,000 yards rushing in each of the last two seasons, gets no respect.

After Jackson turned in a fine year in 1985, the Eagles went out and used their top two draft choices on running backs--Keith Byars and Anthony Toney.

“That’s business,” he said. “I’ve got to do what I do best. I’ve got to run a little better. I’ve got to catch a little better. I’ve got to block a little better.”

The Eagles have yet to reach contracts with Byars or Toney, so Jackson remains the No. 1 man in the Eagles’ backfield.

“Earnest Jackson got 1,000 yards last year and I hope he gets 1,000 yards for us this year,” new Eagles Coach Buddy Ryan said. “We’ll have a two-back attack, have two people carry the football and people blocking for each other.

“Earnest Jackson might be the guy, I don’t know. He’s a starter right now. If he wants to lose it, he’ll lose it.”

Jackson gained 1,028 yards for the Eagles last season after being traded away by San Diego, where he had rushed for 1,179 yards in the 1984 season.

“It was in all the newspapers that I couldn’t do certain things,” Jackson said. “That’s why I’m here now, to show I can do those things.”

Jackson said he was not upset by the Eagles’ apparent lack of confidence in him.

“I don’t have time to complain about things like that,” he said. “There’s nothing to complain about. I have to do what I have to do. You can complain all you want in the locker room, but that isn’t going to help you.”

Jackson has been working hard in camp to develop his pass-catching and blocking skills.

“This camp is going to make me or break me,” said Jackson, who only caught 10 passes for the Eagles last season. “They’re coming to me with the passes.”

Ryan has praised Jackson’s play at practice so it’s likely he will be the starting running back on Sept. 7, even if Byars is signed, completely recovered from foot surgery and ready to play.