Buccaneers: Players to watch against the Falcons in Week 12
By Sean Eck
DeSean Jackson
While playing second fiddle to Mike Evans Jackson has had a sub-par statistical season. With only 532 yards on the season and five plays of over 25 yards, many thought Jackson was destined for greater things this year. While those remain unimpressive, he has still played a valuable part on the offensive side of the ball and continues to get the second most targets on the team and has been targeted four or more times in every contest except the Buccaneers most recent game against the Dolphins.
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Jackson and Fitzpatrick have shown a substantial repertoire and need that to show in this weeks matchup. The Falcons tend to overplay the box and can give up the deep ball. This could be a prime opportunity for Jackson to take a big one to the house. Going into this weeks contest, he has 26 career touchdowns of 50 or more yards and needs one more to tie Terrell Owens (27) for the third-most total touchdowns of 50 or more yards since the 1970 NFL merger
If the Buccaneers can get a running game going at the start, it should open up more opportunities for Jackson. The other side of the coin is that if the Buccaneers get down early in the game, it will also provide more opportunities as they are forced to throw the ball in an attempt to play catchup. Either scenario Jackson should play a prominent role on Sunday.