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Jackson scored on a 68-yard punt return giving the Eagles a 14-0 lead over the Washington Redskins when Demps joined him in the end zone. They posed face-to-face with arms folded and heads bobbing.
To the NFL, the act wasn't among the "natural, spontaneous expressions of exuberance and celebratory acts" which typically are not penalized or fined by NFL authorities.
Looking at the replays Jackson and Demps apparently violated the unsportsmanlike conduct rule when "two or more players engage in prolonged, excessive, premeditated or choreographed celebrations, particularly after scoring plays."
An Eagles spokesman wasn't aware of the disciplinary action that the league routinely confirms on Fridays.
Both rookies said they would appeal the fines.
"Yeah, that's crazy," Jackson said.
Demps thinks they did nothing excessive enough to warrant a fine.
"Definitely I'm appealing," Demps said. "I don't think it was (worth a fine)."
Eagles linebacker Torrance "Tank" Daniels also will be billed $5,000 by the NFL for tackling punt returner Antwaan Randle El by the face mask. Daniels also intends to appeal the fine.
Daniels was flagged 15 yards for his tackle, and it set up the decisive touchdown for the Redskins.
Jackson and Demps were fortunate the Eagles weren't penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct after their demonstration.
Eagles special teams coordinator Rory Segrest has addressed those and other concerns with the players.
"That's definitely been a point of interest here over the last couple of weeks, and we continue to get those penalties," Segrest said Thursday. "I think the players have gotten together and decided to govern themselves on it. There's very little we can do, as coaches, but it's obviously something that they all take great pride in. A lot of it has to do with the technique - being in the right place at the right time. Again, it's just one of those deals where we have to make sure that we're taking care of our responsibilities and doing things the way they're supposed to be done and we'll get that handled."
Jackson and Demps have been two of the brightest spots among all Eagles rookies.
Jackson leads the Eagles with 23 receptions for 335 yards (14.6 yard average), has five rushes for 49 yards (9.8 ypr.) and ranks sixth in the league with a 13.2-yard punt return average.
"He's definitely an explosive guy," Segrest said. "He's a guy with the speed and the vision to be able to set those blocks up and get around the perimeter on things and hit a crease and change some angles. We hope that he continues to have that kind of success. The main thing is just making sure that he's fielding that ball solid and getting up the field and making sure that we're not losing yardage on certain plays."
Demps is averaging 23.0 yards on 17 kickoff returns, having busted one 47 yards. The average is 12th in the NFC.
The safety out of UTEP also third on the Eagles with 94 special teams production points, a chunk from downing Sav Rocca punts deep in enemy territory. Rocca's 43.8 yard net punting average is second in the league.
Demps is tweaking his kickoff return technique.
"I think he's starting to understand the game a little bit better," Segrest said. "He had some success here during the preseason. It's just a matter of making sure each individual guy is making his block and sustaining those blocks for him, and also the reads. We change up the returns on occasion. It's just making sure he's making the right reads on each return."
Daniels, who ranks sixth on the Birds in special teams production points, is hoping to at least get his fine reduced.
"It was for unsportsmanlike conduct but I didn't take a cheap shot by any means," Daniels said. "I was making contact with (Randle El) as he was going out of bounds."
