Frustrated Jackson wants bigger role in Bucs' offense
Veteran wideout DeSean Jackson is frustrated with the struggles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and his secondary role in their offense as he prepares to play his former team, the Washington Redskins.
"I can't say I'm as happy," Jackson said Tuesday, according to ESPN's Jenna Laine. "I'm not winning. I'm not being as productive. For me to sit here and say I'm happy with that, I'd be lying to you."
Jackson's irritation with the Buccaneers is nothing new - he reportedly requested a trade before the Oct. 30 deadline. After beginning the season 2-0, Tampa has dropped five of its last six games.
Jackson's production has also dipped. He started the season with three 100-yard performances in four games but has posted just 202 yards over his last four outings combined.
"I know what I can do as far as big plays and explosiveness, and I know what that does to other guys," he said. "It just sparks energy."
The 31-year-old vertical threat ranked fourth in snaps among Bucs receivers last week, lining up for 48 percent of offensive plays. He recorded just two receptions in last week's loss to the Carolina Panthers, though his targets have been steady throughout the year.
"The frustration is just knowing what's in this locker room, knowing the players we have all across the board and knowing how talented it can be," he said. "It did show early on. That's the frustration. Not being able to have the results the past three or four games, whatever that number is. That's been more the frustration with me. It's not individual."