In his third game with the Las Vegas Raiders, DeSean Jackson finally was unleashed as the team’s primary deep threat. In a massive Thanksgiving win over the Dallas Cowboys, Jackson had three catches for 102 yards, including a 56-yard touchdown reception.
The Raiders acquired Jackson after he was released by the Los Angeles Rams following the trade deadline. Jackson was the perfect replacement for Henry Ruggs, who was released by the team following a DUI resulting in someone else’s death.
Jackson is 34, turning 35 next week, but has caught the attention of Raiders RB Josh Jacobs. Jacobs was stunned to find out Jackson’s age, given the way he still plays the game after years in the NFL, according to Paul Gutierrez of ESPN:
Asked #Raiders RB Josh Jacobs if he had ever seen a 35-year-old run as fast as WR DeSean Jackson. “Sh_t, I didn’t even know he was 35,” Jacobs said. “I ain’t know he was thirty…oof. Yeah, and he looks so effortless, too. I’m like, ‘Bro, you just be gliding.’ That’s crazy.”
— Paul Gutierrez (@PGutierrezESPN) November 26, 2021
In Jackson’s 14th NFL season, he still serves as one of the better deep threats in football. Just about every game he plays, he’s good for 1-2 deep shots down the field to help open up an offense. His fit with the Rams was questionable, but he is fitting right in with the Raiders.
It was a perfect time for him to have his breakout game in Las Vegas, as they desperately needed a Thanksgiving win against one of the best teams in the league. At 5-5 and in the midst of a three-game losing streak, falling below .500 would have been a near death sentence on their season.
Instead, they are now 6-5 with renewed life in the Wild Card race. Jackson was instrumental in making that happen on Thursday afternoon.
Bisaccia saw greater comfort from Jackson
Even before their game against the Cowboys, Raiders head coach Rich Bisaccia had the feeling that Jackson was getting acclimated to his role with the team.
“We were walking down the hall and him and I were talking smack to each other, and he said, ‘Coach, I’m feeling more comfortable now. I’m feeling more comfortable.’”