The Washington Redskins did not get the production from DeSean Jackson they were hoping to when the wide receiver returned to the field in Week 9. While Jackson chalked it up to a lack of targets, head coach Jay Gruden said that the receiver was not fully healthy, but is improving heading into the game against the New Orleans Saints. After getting more practice together, Kirk Cousins and Jackson are prepared for a big game in Week 10.
Gruden told the media that the extra week of practice between Cousins and Jackson is starting to pay off. The wide receiver and the quarterback struggled to connect in Week 9. Cousins threw to him six times while Jackson caught three for 15 yards. The Redskins need those numbers to improve if they are going to start recording wins. Gruden believes they just need to be more aggressive with the deep ball and taking shots to Jackson.
"Both of them are building it back up," Gruden said, via ESPN.com. "[Wednesday], You could see DeSean running faster and he's building up his strength more. DeSean was frustrated after the game. But when you watch the tape you see DeSean is building his legs back up. And Kirk hadn't really thrown him deep balls and let them fly. DeSean is a different guy to throw to. He's got a different tempo and a different speed when the ball is in the air. That doesn't come from practicing on Wednesday and Thursday and then playing on Sunday."
The Redskins are going up against a Saints' defense that has balked in the passing game. They have allowed 24 touchdown passes which could mean Jackson is set for a big game. They have also allowed tight ends to average 10.21 yards per catch which means Jordan Reed could be setting up for a strong performance as well. Reed has developed into a solid safety blanket for Cousins to work with and will relied upon in Week 10.
The Saints have also struggled in the run game as they rank 28th in yards per carry to opposing running backs. The Redskins need a run game. Gruden has admitted his frustrations in both Alfred Morris and Matt Jones. The two running backs have really failed to much of anything this season. If they cannot get going against the weakened Saints' defense, they might struggle the rest of the year.
Regardless of the losses and poor performances, Gruden remains very confident in the Redskins to improve. The head coach believes the season can turn around in a second as he believes the Redskins are better than their 3-5 record indicates.
"I still have confidence in our team, no question about it," Gruden said, via ESPN.com. "I have seen enough positive qualities - come-from-behind victories, good tackling, good pass rush, good coverage - to have confidence moving forward."
