'Simply stated, Fred Jackson was still no worse than the second-best back on the team, someone who can get the tough third-down yards, pass protect, and catch passes out of the backfield. Just last Saturday, in a preseason victory over Pittsburgh, he ripped off a 41-yard run to the pylon then scored the touchdown. Afterwards, he talked about how he had to keep proving himself. It was vintage Jackson, setting an example for younger teammates on how to act.'