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Bucs' DeSean Jackson says sideline blowup no big deal

 
The Bucs’ DeSean Jackson was frustrated after a failed two-point conversion Sunday.
The Bucs’ DeSean Jackson was frustrated after a failed two-point conversion Sunday.
Published Oct. 3, 2017

TAMPA — DeSean Jackson was brought to the Bucs during the offseason to be an explosive playmaker. But blowing up on the sideline was not expected to be part of the deal.

It's hard to blame the receiver for showing his frustration after a failed two-point conversion pass in the Bucs' 25-23 win over the Giants on Sunday.

"It's just part of being a playmaker in this league that wants to make plays," Jackson said Tuesday. "Anytime I get the opportunity to get the ball, I just want to make good plays and help my team win the game and just create big plays. It was just a part of that."

In three games, Jackson has been targeted 20 times, catching nine passes for 143 yards and one touchdown. When healthy, Jackson has never been targeted less or caught fewer passes in the first three games to start a season than he has this year with the Bucs.

The exception would be 2015 with the Redskins, when he suffered a hamstring injury in the season opener against Miami.

"It's definitely hard, feeling like being a veteran in this league 10 years. … But I'm not going to abort ship," Jackson said. "I'll stay on course, stay on plan. Eventually it will come together. We just got to continue to go out there and keep beating, beating away and (doing) the things you need to do to get better."

Quarterback Jameis Winston has missed Jackson on at least three deep balls this season, one that was underthrown and intercepted.

While Winston and Jackson have had trouble connecting, the quarterback put most of the responsibility on himself.

"I think I just got to get on track with him," Winston said. "I have to play better in all respects. He's doing what he does, getting open. But again, it's the third game. I don't want to talk about, 'I got to do this, I have to get DJac the ball.' It's obvious I've got to get him the ball. He's going to make this team better. But at the same time, he's happier with winning than anything else."

Jackson chalks up the slow start to his unfamiliarity with Winston during games but believes they did enough during the offseason and training camp to perfect their chemistry.

"When you go out there and play with a guy for so many years, he knows what to expect," Jackson said. "It's still fresh, still new with me.

"We all know how much (Winston) wanted me, how much I wanted to be here as well. Hopefully it will work out. That's all that matters."