Vincent Jackson set to get more targets again?
Philip Wheeler (52) defends Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson (83) during the first half of the game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have one of the most talented offensive players in the game in star wide receiver Vincent Jackson, but he’s found it difficult to make things happen ever since talented No. 2 wide receiver Mike Williams hit the injured reserve. That’s because teams are now able to key in on Jackson more than ever, and not even the emergence of tight end Tim Wright has eased things for Jackson. He has caught just a combined five passes for 39 yards in the past two games, and that’s a far cry from his dominance earlier this season. Provided he’s able to receive sufficient targets and isn’t excessively covered, Jackson should have a bounce-back game this week against the Atlanta Falcons.
Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano seems committed to getting the ball back into Jackson’s hands, based on quotes found in this piece by the Tampa Tribune’s Roy Cummings.
Schiano said, “We need to make sure he gets his touches because he’s a dynamic player,” Schiano said. “You’re talking about a Pro Bowl player.
“And, certainly, with the loss of some (of our) weapons offensively, defenses are really going to key on him now. That’s a fact of life. But get over it and find a way to get him the ball. That’s what we have to do.’’
In order for the Buccaneers do be able to get the ball to Jackson, they need to help him have an easier time getting open. It’s been an uphill battle for targets and catches for Jackson this season, so the Bucs need to continue to move around Jackson and also find ways to get the other pass-catchers to help him out. Jackson is easily the Bucs most talented playmaker on offense right now, and he was easily the league’s most target receiver per his teams total pass attempts through the first eight weeks. A matchup nightmare, it’s time for the Buccaneers to help create more of those favorable matchups and find ways to get the ball into their star player’s hands. Can Greg Schiano achieve that goal? We’ll see, because it could easily be a big key to victory/defeat this week.
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