Jackson, Winston work on chemistry
reception during a season in which the Bucs finished 5-11 and missed the playoffs for the 10th straight season, came on a short catch he turned into a 41-yard gain against New England.
“As a football team collectively, I think everyone has their work cut out for them. And as long as we put in the time, which is here on the field and in the meeting rooms, that's all you can really ask for,” Jackson said.
“Put your best foot forward and just strive to be the best you can be day in and day out. I'm going to do the best I can to continue to get open, stay electric, stay fast and do what I need to do to help this team as far as big plays or whatever it is they're asking.”
Jackson recently accepted Winston's invitation to join the quarterback for two days of work at Florida State, Winston's alma mater.
“I was able to get down there to his stomping grounds, his roots in Tallahassee. We got a little bit of work done. It was just a part of the process,” the receiver said.
“I think it's great,” Winston, preparing for his fourth season, said. “I think it really is just me understanding who DeSean is and me understanding how DeSean is. You don't get a chance to play with that electric-type of player often, so I knew I had to make it intentional to reach out to him and try to build that connection.”
Jackson is not sure how long he'll remain in Tampa for voluntary work the team began Monday. He's spent the bulk of his offseason in California throughout his career and has no plans to change a routine that's been a big part of his success.
Nevertheless, he felt it was important to “show face” for the start of the conditioning program in Tampa, where he briefed coach Dirk Koetter and teammates about his plans.