Washington Redskins: DeSean Jackson elevates team

By Andrew Long | Dec 3, 2015

Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson is one of the NFL’s best deep threats, and they have him to thank for their division lead.

The Washington Redskins defeated the New York Giants last week, a game that gave them control over the NFC East. The Burgundy and Gold won the contest by a score of 14-20, just barely holding off their divisional foe late in the fourth quarter. The divisional game was a defensive contest, and the Redskins likely wouldn’t have won if DeSean Jackson hadn’t gotten behind New York’s secondary for a 63-yard score.

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Jackson’s touchdown is the second longest of the year for the Redskins – Matt Jones scored a 78-yard touchdown on a screen-pass earlier in the season. Although Jones logged a longer touchdown than Jackson, he did so with a slew of blockers leading the way. DeSean, on the other hand, reached the end zone by blowing the top off of the defense, something that he’s done with regularity throughout his career.

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Just a week before getting behind the Giants’ secondary for a long score, he did the same thing against the Carolina Panthers, as he managed to secure a 56-yard touchdown pass from Kirk Cousins. With long touchdowns in back-to-back weeks, it appears that Jackson is finally healthy, which is bad news for opposing corners and safeties that are charged with covering the speedy wideout.

Outside of the 78-yard screen pass that Jones scored and the two most recent touchdowns from Jackson, the Redskins have struggled to find success in the vertical passing game. And when I say struggle, I really mean it. Outside of Jackson’s and Jones’ long scores, Washington hasn’t scored a passing touchdown over 20 yards.

Cousins has thrown for 16 touchdowns this season, with 13 of those touchdowns being under 20 yards, and 11 of those 13 touchdowns being less than 10 yards. Those numbers are troubling, as opposing defenses were basically able to rule out a long pass from the Redskins’ offense.

Nov 29, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson (11) celebrates with Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon (88) after scoring a touchdown against the New York Giants in the second quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

With DeSean Jackson back and healthy, though, opposing defenses once again have to worry about the Washington Redskins going deep. Jackson’s presence alone adds a different dynamic to their offense, he forces opposing defenses to be accountable. It’s awfully hard to not give the cornerback covering Jackson safety help, something that undoubtedly opens holes in the run-game and soft spots in the passing-game underneath.

This means that Cousins isn’t the only beneficiary of a healthy D-Jax. Players like Jordan Reed, Jamison Crowder, and Pierre Garcon all benefit from Jackson’s presence, as they all see less coverage thrown their way. Alfred Morris also benefits; opposing defenses are forced to play with fewer defenders in the box because safeties are less likely to play upfront with the threat of Jackson breaking free over the top.

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Jackson’s game-breaking speed brings the Redskins’ offense to another level, there is no questioning it. He gives Cousins another reliable weapon, and forces defenses to be accountable. And while Washington managed to win a few games without him on the field, there’s no doubt in my mind that wins become more likely with him in the lineup.

The Washington Redskins are in the midst of a playoff race, and a healthy DeSean Jackson is a valuable weapon for them moving forward.

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