TAMPA - Not a great start for the Eagles in Raymond James Stadium.
Not only is DeSean Jackson playing after he suffered a concussion last week, he broke free on the first play from scrimmage.
Ryan Fitzpatrick hit Jackson in stride for a 75-yard touchdown pass. Jalen Mills gave DeSean a huge cushion on the play, but it didn't matter.
One play. 75 yards. FitzMagic to DJax.#GoBucs | #PHIvsTB pic.twitter.com/cNLx0Xx0AH— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) September 16, 2018
As Reuben Frank pointed out this week, Jackson has the most 50-yard catches for and against the Eagles in recent history.
Most career 50-yard TDs [including postseason]
38 … Jerry Rice
32 … Randy Moss
29 … DeSean Jackson
29 … Steve Smith
28 … T.O.
27 … Lance Alworth
27 … Lenny Moore
26 … Bobby Mitchell— Reuben Frank (@RoobNBCS) September 16, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles
Complete coverage of the Philadelphia Eagles and their NFL rivals from NBC Sports Philadelphia.
That reception was Jackson's 39th career 50-plus yard catch. Since he entered the league, the next closest guy is Mike Wallace with 26.
Earlier this week, Jim Schwartz stressed the need for the Eagles to eliminate big plays against them. Players knew they needed to be aware of Jackson, who came into the game averaging 88 yards per game against his old team.
That's not off to a good start.
