Good catcher Jackson is hard to catch

By Anthony Bialy  |   Thursday, May 28, 2009  |  Comments( 57 )

Buffalo Bills
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The Buffalo Bills are going to make Fred Jackson earn his new contract by playing somewhere new sometimes, but he won’t complain. Notably, the backup rusher has been deployed regularly as a receiver during organized team activities. He’s more than a threat to execute end-arounds, although that option is nice: Jackson has already demonstrated he can receive, and now he gets to demonstrate he can actually play receiver.

Catching is nothing new itself for Jackson, who has managed 59 receptions for 507 yards over his young career. Of course, he’s posted those gains while only appearing in 24 games and starting four. The Texas native has caught the ball on a high percentage of his overall plays.

On top of that, he NFL's best backup runner has advanced the ball a fair 8.6 yards per reception in both of his seasons. Last year, that rate put him ahead of such backs as LaDainian Tomlinson, Brian Westbrook, and fellow Bill Marshawn Lynch; by comparison, his teammate picked up 6.4 yards every grab.

Plus, Jackson has picked up a surprising quantity of yardage after some catches. The Coe College man has seven receptions that have gone for 20 yards or longer. That’s highlighted by his phenomenal 65-yard reception against the Denver Broncos last season.

The year before, his 54-yard pickup on a catch served as the apex of his breakout game against the Washington Redskins. He’s displayed a knack for receiving deep throws as well as for turning short passes into long gains.

This upcoming season is already taking on the tone for the Bills where running the ball will usually come after catches. Trent Edwards will be called upon to pass constantly, and scattering three receivers may be a regular occurrence. Now, Jackson may join the fun as a pure aerial target if current practice tendencies offer any indication.

It’s a move that will provoke tension in defenses. They’ll already be tempted to use extra defensive backs to counter Terrell Owens, Lee Evans and any other wideouts tossed out there; on top of that, opponents will have to sweat over which defender will face a physical, quick 215-pound back who’s stationed on the line of scrimmage.

Jackson’s job title is running back, but his true role is to exasperate foes with his versatility. Coaches have occasionally moved him forward before, and using him more frequently in that role would be a great way to tap his, and the offense’s, potential. Doing so would also be the perfect way to get him and Lynch on the field during the same plays, with the starter staying in the backfield.

As usual, Jackson will do whatever he’s asked. And, he’ll do it well, even if it means playing a different position for a few snaps per game.
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CommentsComments: 57  |  Sign Up  View all comments
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No.1
Amir FaSaad		07:38 AM
05/28/2009
They split Jackson out wide in the OTAs and now he's a wide receiver. Is that all this club can do; switch players positions ?
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No.2
8and8Forever		08:09 AM
05/28/2009
the bills "work with" the players they have decided they can afford to have on the roster... the good teams go get talent and...
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No.3
8and8Forever		08:16 AM
05/28/2009
the bills keep the ticket prices low because people won't pay top dollar to see a team in perpetual rebuilding mode....but they...
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