RICHMOND, Va. – When healthy a year ago, Aqib Talib played every bit the part of the shutdown cornerback. He took on top opposing targets – even All-Pro tight end Jimmy Graham – with regularity before injuries forced him to play in a more conventional role on the left side.
But one of the few players he struggled to handle early on, before the injuries, was DeSean Jackson. The two tangled often during joint practices in Philadelphia, and then on the first defensive series of the preseason, Jackson torched Talib for a long touchdown catch.
During the two days working with Washington, Darrelle Revis hasn't had nearly as much trouble with the diminutive playmaker. A member of the Redskins now, Jackson has been locked up with Revis frequently over the past two days, and more often than not Revis has gotten the better of things.
"I have a lot of respect for DeSean Jackson," Revis said after Monday's practice. "I've played against him for a number of years. He's one of the best in the league. He's fast, he's crafty and I have a lot of respect for him. I saw him a lot today and it was good."
Jackson was able to shake free on a couple of occasions, and on Tuesday he appeared to fool Revis with a deep move that forced the corner to grab him about 15 yards downfield. The two then ran stride-for-stride to the end zone where Revis was able to break up the pass from Robert Griffin III. But overall it seemed that Revis had the edge.
Watching the two match up with one another was one of the highlights of the two days here in Richmond.
