DeSean Jackson Will Be X-Factor For Washington Redskins In Week 7
By Michael Compton
@MWCompton
Matt Kartozian-USA Today Sports
The Tennessee Titans‘ defense is going to have its hands full on Sunday with a highly-ranked Washington Redskins offense led by backup quarterback Kirk Cousins, running back Alfred Morris and playmaking wide receiver DeSean Jackson. Despite a slow start to the season, Jackson has picked up the pace in recent weeks, averaging 20.8 yards per reception (first in the NFC), and he’s the Redskins’ x-factor in Week 7.
In his first season with the Redskins, Jackson has four receptions of 50 yards or more this season, most in the NFL. Jackson ranks first in the NFC and second in the league among wide receivers in yards after catch (10.3), and his 479 receiving yards on 23 receptions ranks fifth in the NFC and ninth in the NFL.
The Pro Bowl receiver should have a field day against a Titans defense that ranks 18th in the league, giving up 247.3 passing yards per game. The unit also allows 25.5 points per game (23rd in the NFL) and 375 yards (20th).
The Redskins will need to put points on the board to emerge with a win as their defense allows 27.7 points per game. The Redskins’ offense is inconsistent but highly capable of torching opposing defenses and ranks at or near the top in several categories. The Redskins have racked up 2,375 total yards (sixth in the league), averaging 395.8 yards per game. Washington is even better in the receiving category, ranking third with 1,876 yards on 147 receptions (12.8 average) and 10 touchdowns.
With plenty of offensive weapons, the Redskins should take advantage of Morris out of the backfield and get the ball in Jackson’s hands. For the Redskins to be successful against the Titans, Cousins will need to demonstrate improved decision-making — he has eight interceptions — and must stop trying to force the issue. His 78.4 passer rating and 1-7 record as a starter over three years fails to encourage, but unleashing Jackson can help the 1-5 Redskins get back in the win column on Sunday.
Michael Compton is a Jacksonville Jaguars writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter at @MWCompton and connect with him on Google.
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