Jackson looks to rise to occasion
Jameis Winston never developed a dependable connection with Jackson. Thirtyseven of Jackson’s 50 receptions last season went for less than his 17.7-yard career average. In fact, he ranked third on the team in catches behind Evans (71) and Adam Humphries (61), who played primarily on third down.
Jackson’s combination of confidence and candor has always made him an easy target for criticism when things aren’t going well. He also admits he didn’t always handle the Bucs’ slow start very well.
“I was frustrated before the end of the year with the way we started,’’ Jackson said. “But I was just trying to stick with it as best as possible. We’re all human. We’re not perfect. But I had to just, you know, have a learning curve last year even in my 10th year in the NFL.’’
Bucs coach Dirk Koetter has said that Jackson’s lack of production wasn’t always because he didn’t hold up his end of the bargain. Jackson won enough routes and consistently got behind the defense, only to see too many passes sail over his head or bounce at his feet.
The Bucs are hoping Saturday’s 30-14 preseason win over the Titans is a harbinger of things to come. In the second quarter with the Bucs pinned on their own 10-yard line, Jackson ran past Titans cornerback LeShaun Sims and made an over-theshoulder catch of a perfectly thrown deep ball by Winston for a 54-yard gain. That sparked a 90-yard TD drive. Jackson also had a 19-yard catch and run in the game.
“I think this year will totally be different, and I feel it throughout the whole team,’’ Jackson said. “Not only for myself. I think everybody has come out with a sense of urgency. We understand 5-11 isn’t OK.’’