Tampa Bay Buccaneers Training camp battles to watch: Offense
By Brian DeFeo
Number Two Receiver Battle: DeSean Jackson vs Chris Godwin
This battle is probably one of the more surprising battles on this list but it should be under serious consideration.
While the Buccaneers are paying DeSean Jackson like a number two receiver, moving Chris Godwin to the outside receiver spot might be better for the offense as a whole. Jackson is still a productive receiver and one of the fastest players in the league, but he is another year older and could be utilized better as an inside receiver allowing him to catch short passes and then show off his burst.
Jackson had the worst statistical season of his career last year with 50 catches, 668 yards and 3 touchdowns. His lowest yards per catch, 13.4, and per game, 47.7 are numbers not worthy of the $11 million per year contract he signed. His speed was underutilized and he was frequently used on deep passes that didn’t connect.
Godwin however, bursted on to the scene late in the year as Jackson was injured the final two weeks of the regular season. With 16 catches, 295 yards, and one game-winning touchdown in the final four games of the year.
Godwin who is 6’1″ and 210 pounds, he has the size of a prototypical outside receiver. Jackson cannot be Tyreek Hill anymore and that’s not his fault, its father times’. However just because Jackson’s name still carries weight, he likely won’t lose his role.
Hopefully, the Bucs utilize packages with Jackson on the inside and Godwin and Evans on the outside making the defense have to think before they double team one guy. Don’t forget the tight ends they use too.