DeSean Jackson and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are excited for the 2017 season opener as the newcomer could have a big debut.
If there were any doubts as to whether Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver DeSean Jackson is ready to go for the opener against the Miami Dolphins on September 10, those doubts can be put to bed.
Speaking to the media earlier this week, Jackson made it known that the team was ready to give the home fans a show (per Bonnie Mott of Bucs Wire):
"“I’m going to save my plays for the regular season when it counts,” Jackson said at One Buc Place following training camp this week. “But, obviously preseason is something we have to go through. I’m sure we’ll get some reps, get some plays in there. Not try to show too much because we’re expecting a big year this year, come out and light it up September 10th. So as far as preseason, it will definitely be good to get out there and get some play timing down. Getting everything we’ve been working on out versus somebody else.”"
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How well will Jackson do against the Dolphin secondary? He has a shot at a decent game, and he will be able to put up numbers. The Dolphins pass defense was fairly strong in 2016, allowing 239 yards per game. That ranked them No. 12 in the league in that category. They struggled in the last three games of the season, however, allowing 260.3 yards per contest.
To be fair, the last three games included the likes of the Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers. It would not be an understatement to say that trio had exceptional passing offenses last season, captained by the likes of Dak Prescott, Drew Brees and Cam Newton. With the weapons the Buccaneers have, they — at least on paper — should fall into that category too.
It will be interesting to see who Jackson will be matched up against. He will probably see Byron Maxwell at some point, one of Miami’s top defensive players. I think it will all be dependent on who Miami chooses to pair with Mike Evans.
This double-threat puts the Dolphins in a bit of a bind. What they do might vary throughout the course of the game.
Next: NFL Power Rankings 2017: Preseason Week 1
What will Jackson’s numbers look like? Five receptions for 85 yards and a touchdown would be a fair guess. We don’t know what his role in the offense is yet, other than the fact than he can be a threat in the red zone. Whether or not Jameis Winston decides to make one receiver his primary target or spread the ball around will be something to keep an eye on.
Whatever the case may be, DeSean Jackson is ready, and so are Buccaneer fans.