Buccaneers Beat: Chemistry with QB Jameis Winston key in WR DeSean Jackson's future
One month ago, DeSean Jackson was the hottest thing in the NFL next to Ryan "Fitzmagic" Fitzpatrick. He led the NFL with 275 receiving yards and three touchdowns through the first two weeks. But now Jackson has to make things work with Jameis Winston, whom he struggled to connect with last season and again in a 34-29 road loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.
Related players: Chris Godwin
The Bucs signed Jackson before the 2017 season to a three-year deal worth $33.5 million and $20 million guaranteed in the first two years. His job was to take the top off of defenses. Winston has a big arm and isn't afraid to take chances downfield and Jackson has "game-wrecker" speed, as coach Dirk Koetter calls it. So on paper, Winston and Jackson looked like an excellent pairing. But last season, Jackson had 668 receiving yards -- one of his lowest producing seasons since becoming a pro in 2008. Jackson had 56 career catches on plays with 30 or more air yards and couldn't muster one in 2017 after having six the previous year, the story all said. As it also said, last year Winston was hampered by a shoulder injury. The emergence of Godwin could also be a factor when it comes to Jackson's future with the team.
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