Buccaneers Game Day Spotlight: Vincent Jackson

In last week’s game day spotlight, we featured Kwon Alexander – which worked out pretty well. Let’s go two for two this week as we look at Vincent Jackson as a key factor against the Cardinals.

In a huge game for both teams, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers look to upset the Arizona Cardinals. In order to do so, a few things have to happen for the Bucs. For starters, they have to get pressure on Carson Palmer. Palmer tends to make mistakes when under duress and he becomes uncomfortable in the pocket very quickly. Second, the Bucs have to get the run game going to control time of possession. The Cardinals will have a hard time scoring if they aren’t on the field. Finally, target Vincent Jackson early and often.

Vincent Jackson had a quiet game last week, but made a few mistakes we aren’t accustomed to seeing. Most notably, he ran the wrong route leading to Jameis Winston‘s lone interception. Jackson is poised for a breakout game and could prove to be the difference. He knows he has to improve off of his week one performance, and so does offensive coordinator Todd Monken;

"“Well he’s had a good camp, he had a great week of practice last week. We can do a better job of getting him the ball early and getting him involved. But he’s got to play better, I’ve got to coach him better, he’s got to play better. He knows that. That’s like all of our players, it’s not just him. I’ve got to find a way to get him to play better and he’s capable. He’s a darn good football player, he’s got a lot left in his tank and we count on him this week to have a big game. I expect him to rebound.”"

Here’s the advantage Jackson has this week; he’ll be covered by rookie Brandon Williams the majority of the game. Last week, Williams allowed four completions for 74 yards and a touchdown on eight targets. Though Patrick Peterson won’t exclusively cover Mike Evans in this game, Evans likely won’t get many opportunities opposite Williams. Whoever does line up across from the struggling rookie is in for a big day.

Winston will likely avoid Peterson’s side of the field on the majority of plays – unless he feels like living dangerously – and Jackson is a reliable target that will gain chunks of yards all day long. No, he’s not going to burn past anyone with his speed, but consistent gains will lead to long scoring drives and keep Arizona’s offense on the sideline.

Next: Buccaneers vs. Cardinals: All You Need To Know Before Kickoff

Look for VJax to garner a lot of targets today as the Bucs will expose any weakness they can find on this stout Cardinals defense. Through preseason and week one, the weakest link appears to be Brandon Williams.