As the Buccaneers prepare to take on the Arizona Cardinals, our game day spotlight shines solely on the big acquisition – DeSean Jackson.
We’ve been waiting… and waiting… and waiting for the explosions to come from the combination of Jameis Winston and DeSean Jackson. Finally, last week against the New England Patriots, we began to see some of that come to fruition. Now, for the Buccaneers against the Arizona Cardinals, these two have to go full ham.
Jackson led all Bucs receivers last in the last game with five receptions for over 100 yards, including a play of over 40 yards late in the game to help spark the comeback that just fell short. With likely future Hall of Famer Patrick Peterson following Mike Evans all over the field, the opportunities for Jackson will be plentiful.
Justin Bethel will be given the task of covering Jackson, which will be no easy task for the struggling corner. Bethel has just four passes defensed this season and one interception that he returned for a touchdown. And although I have my qualms with Pro Football Focus, they have Bethel currently ranked as the 90th overall corner with a 44.7 grade. Comparatively, Vernon Hargreaves is ranked at number 98 with a 42.2 grade.
Basically, the opportunities will be there.
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In the latest Walking The Plank Podcast I predicted Jackson to finish the day with not one, but two touchdowns. It’s all about opportunity and the opportunities will be plentiful if Jameis isn’t trying to force the ball to Mike Evans the entire day. Yes, Evans is one of the best receivers in the league but he’s also going against one of the best cover corners so the opportunities there will be limited and Winston needs to pick his spots.
There isn’t a player on the Cardinals’ defense that can keep pace with Jackson, so those quick slants and drag routes can result in big, explosive plays with Jackson’s inhuman speed in space. When he has the ball in his hands, Jackson finds another gear. On his 40-plus yard reception against the Pats, Jackson hit nearly 21 miles-per-hour and nearly broke it off for a touchdown. Those are the kind of passes Jackson needs right now to be effective since the connection on the deep passes just isn’t there.
Jackson is a weapon the Buccaneers haven’t had in years. Today is the day he needs to shine with his big play ability and Mike Evans being limited against Peterson.