When the Ravens signed extensive receiver DeSean Jackson to the follow squad Tuesday, one query got here to thoughts: Does the 15-year veteran nonetheless have the eye-popping pace that made him a three-time Pro Bowl choice?
After Wednesday’s follow, Lamar Jackson had a solution.
“He’s still flying,” the Ravens’ star quarterback stated of his new extensive receiver, who took the sector for the primary time in Baltimore sporting a No. 15 jersey and a pair of Dior cleats. “Even though it’s Year 15 for him, it looks like Year One.”
Without second-year professional Rashod Bateman, who returned to follow Wednesday for the primary time since struggling a foot harm in Week 4, Baltimore’s wideouts totaled simply 45 yards in Sunday’s 24-20 loss to the New York Giants. DeSean Jackson is hoping to carry a spark to a receivers room that has mixed for 42 catches and 587 yards this season, the third fewest within the NFL.
“Whatever they asked me [to do], and whenever [my number] is called on, I’m just going to do everything I can to get ready,” he stated.
For the primary time in 14 years, Jackson stated he may sit again and luxuriate in life with out worrying about offseason coaching actions or coaching camp. But as he watched the NFL season progress, the 35-year-old felt he may nonetheless contribute.
When Jackson was requested what he may carry to the Ravens, he rapidly responded: “The tape speaks for itself.”
Throughout Jackson’s profession with 5 groups, together with eight seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and three with the Washington Commanders, he was identified for being a big-play risk, utilizing his pace to run previous defenders with ease.
In 14 seasons, Jackson has 632 catches for 11,110 yards and 58 touchdowns whereas topping 1,000 receiving yards in 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014 and 2016.
The speedy receiver, who turns 36 on Dec. 1, had 20 catches on 34 targets for 454 yards final season over seven video games with the Los Angeles Rams and 9 with the Las Vegas Raiders. He graded out because the NFL’s No. 73 general extensive receiver, in line with Pro Football Focus, simply forward of Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, whom the Ravens traded this previous offseason.
In his third recreation with the Rams final season, Jackson had two of the quickest recorded speeds of Week 3 in a five-catch, 120-yard efficiency in opposition to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
[He’s] nonetheless floating round, working nice routes,” Lamar Jackson stated. “He’s going to bring a lot to the table for us; we’re just going to have to see if he gets out there.”
DeSean Jackson stated he’s saved an eye fixed on the Ravens quarterback for some time, noting the 2019 Most Valuable Player has comparable traits to Michael Vick, whom Jackson performed with in Philadelphia. Jackson has damaged a number of of Vick’s information, together with essentially the most 100-yard dashing video games by a quarterback (11).
“[Lamar] has beat some of [Vick’s] records, so he is the new Michael Vick,” Jackson stated. “To play with Michael Vick and come and play with Lamar is a blessing. I’m excited to be able to be here.”
When Jackson tried out for the crew together with veteran extensive receiver and Baltimore native Tavon Austin, coach John Harbaugh stated Jackson was “in great shape, fluid [and] healthy.”
Harbaugh didn’t say whether or not Jackson will play Sunday in opposition to the Cleveland Browns, however the 2008 second-round choose stated “he still got some juice in the tank.”
“I’ve been doing this for a long time,” Jackson added. “It’s nothing [for me] to get into top shape like I need to.”
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Source: www.bostonherald.com