DeSean Jackson finally made his return from a hamstring injury Sunday, and he didn’t exactly pick up where he left off. Jackson was basically a non-factor, catching just three passes for 16 yards. He was targeted six times, and it sounds like he wants his number called more.
Kirk Cousins received no help from the Redskins’ receiving corps in a 27-10 loss to the Patriots. Several passes were dropped, including at least one that could have gone for a touchdown. When asked about the drops, Jackson was quick to point out that he’s innocent.
“I’m not the one making the drops, I can’t really speak for that,” Jackson said, via Scott Allen of The Washington Post. “As professional athletes, we get paid a lot of money to go out there and perfect the job. That’s what we need to do. So, if we need to correct something in practice and do something better, that’s what we need to do as professionals.”
Jackson then hinted that he would like to see more passes his way going forward.
“With the opportunities I get, I think I’ll be able to do a good job with that,” he said. “I can’t call the plays for me, I can’t throw the ball to myself, so when the coaches and the quarterback call my number, I’ll be there and doing what I need to do.”
For more context, you can watch Jackson’s interview here.
The Redskins are not out of the hunt in the NFC East. In fact, they only have one more loss than the division-leading Giants. But very few people envision them as a playoff team, and blowing a number of quality chances against a top-flight opponent in New England didn’t help.
Jackson, who has proven with moments like this that he has a short temper, should try to avoid the “I can’t throw it to myself” narrative. That isn’t going to help.
