Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
The Washington Redskins are making some noise in the NFC this offseason. Their potential seems to keep rising on a daily basis and a lot of that has to do with the dynamic offense that is forming in the nation’s capital. DeSean Jackson is one of the key pieces to the offense and has shown that no matter who the quarterback is, he can make big plays.
Jackson enters training camp as the clear cut No. 1 receiver on the depth chart. Hopefully, Pierre Garcon will push Jackson for that No. 1 spot this summer, creating some healthy competition. With the Redskins trying to get Garcon the ball more, Jackson will be freed up for more one–on-one plays and this is exactly what the Redskins will need during the season.
Over his seven-year career, Jackson has had only 1 season with less than 900 yards receiving and that was due to 5 missed games. Jackson posted great numbers last year, even with the shuffling of quarterbacks. He ended up catching 56 passes for 1,169 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns, making him finish in the top 15 of wide receivers.
Now with the clear cut decision that Griffin is the starter, Jackson can develop even more chemistry with him. Griffin has the arm to throw a killer deep ball, and we know that Jackson can outrun any defense back in the NFL. This should make for some high scoring games for the Redskins. Realistically, Jackson only needs about three receptions a game.
The Redskins only call plays for the deep ball a few times a game and this has to change. To propel that offense to the next level, Jay Gruden needs to let Griffin air it out more often to Jackson. He may only be 5-foot-10, 178 pounds, but this guy can go up and make a play. If Colt McCoy can get the ball to Jackson at least once a game, then Griffin should be able to toss up a few.
At this point, the Redskins have nothing to lose and the world to gain. They might as well unleash the deep ball playbook. Even though RG3 struggles with accuracy, they have to let him heave it up. Trust me, Jackson will go get it. The Redskins need to continue to take advantage of what they have, because this season has the makings of another Pro Bowl-type year for Jackson.
