Washington Redskins’ DeSean Jackson: ‘I can do it all’

Aug 7, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson (11) warms up before a preseason game against the New England Patriots at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 7, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson (11) warms up before a preseason game against the New England Patriots at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports

DeSean Jackson is capable of playing more like Wes Welker. According to him, he’s a wealth of untapped potential.

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“People don’t really realize that I can do it all—short, deep and mid-range,” Jackson said, via CSN Washington. “I just like to consider myself an all-around receiver. Don’t look at me as just being a deep threat. Making short passes into long gains is something I love to do. The opportunities will present itself and I’m gonna go out there and make the most out of it.”

While he’s surely capable of running a full route tree, it doesn’t mean he will or should. At 5-foot-10, 175 pounds, the Washington Redskins wide receiver is well suited for go-routes and high yards per carry. It means he is tackled less and therefore less prone to injury. It’s not to say he won’t be implemented in all facets of the offense. It’s just that the Redskins may be better served sending a bigger receiver like Andre Roberts into traffic.

Jackson played in his first game as a Redskin on Monday. He caught two passes for 34 yards and the coaches called it a good showing. It was all Jackson needed.

“It felt great,” Jackson said. “Second preseason game; I missed the first one. Me and Pierre [Garçon] was able to get out there after missing the first preseason game and just fly around and get on the same page as [Robert Griffin III] and just do some great things.”

He added: “I think we had a couple of great drives. It felt great to get out there and play finally.”

Jackson expects to play an entire half in the next preseason game.