DeSean Jackson won’t be Washington Redskins top receiver?
By Bryan Rose
When the Washington Redskins signed DeSean Jackson, it was an immediate upgrade to their receiving corps but the speedy wideout may not be the team leader in receptions once all is said and done.
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According to ESPN’s John Keim, he wouldn’t be shocked if Jackson falls behind both Jordan Reed and Pierre Garcon in terms of statistics.
“Garcon, not DeSean Jackson, will be the primary receiving target this season. No one has said that to me because until we get closer to the season – and probably into the season – no one really knows how things will unfold. But Garcon is a sturdier player, capable of running a greater variety of routes. Jackson caught 82 passes last season, but his previous high was 62. He can be dangerous to defend even when grabbing around 60 passes. In fact, it wouldn’t stun me at all to see Jackson as the third leading receiver in terms of total catches behind Garcon and tight end Jordan Reed. Durability plays into this as well (though Jackson has missed fewer games than Garcon in his career; both have played six seasons).”
It’s really not all that outlandish of a take considering Jackson is likely to draw a significant amount of defensive back interest and will likely be used as a deep ball threat now that he has Garcon alongside him.
It should also be noted that new head coach Jay Gruden plans to use Garcon in a role similar to that of A.J. Green, so he appears to be the biggest beneficiary of the new coaching staff/playing time the Redskins are to implement.