Jackson thrilled to reunite with McVay “He believed in me as a player”

When the LA Rams signed free agent WR DeSean Jackson to a one-year contract, it was the first time that he will be wearing horns. But this is not his first time he’s worked with head coach Sean McVay.  He’s been a key contributor in McVay’s offense in the past when they were on the Washington Football Team.

Of course, one of the key factors of any new player addition will be the chemistry of Jackson with his new teammates. The most obvious need of making it all ‘click’ will be how well Jackson and new quarterback Matthew Stafford work together.

At the 7:00 minute mark in the video below, DeSean Jackson was asked about his relationship with Rams head coach Sean McVay, and if he could elaborate on the Rams plans to use Jackson as a vertical threat in the offensive scheme. Jackson gears down and explains how he came off a high of production on the football field to a sudden release (reported to have occurred due to friction with then-Eagles head coach Chip Kelly). Jackson describes how much it meant to be received with open arms by Washington’s Jay Gruden and Sean McVay.

"‘To have Sean McVay, and Jay Gruden, kind of like just come to me with like… We’re not worried about any of that stuff people were saying. We believe in you as a player, as a young human being. The opportunity that they were able to give me for me is just somewhere special in my heart and my life’ – DeSean Jackson"

DeSean Jackson was used in more than just a vertical threat. He appreciated the opportunity to run intermediate routes, to be used in screenplays, and to expand the way the offense made use of his speed.

The LA Rams will almost certainly be using Jackson in a variety of roles. While so many have focused upon the speed of Jackson as a one-trick pony of racing to the end zone on each play, the reality is that DeSean Jackson is incredibly dangerous whenever he gets the ball in his hands. He is dangerous on crossing routes, slants, curls, and if he gets a wall of blockers in front of him, you should look for him to run one in for a touchdown.

While DeSean Jackson’s durability and health may still be a question mark, his fit on this offense is not. Jackson gives Rams head coach Sean McVay a dangerous weapon to use in a number of different ways in the offense this year. DeSean Jackson still values the way that head coach Sean McVay believes in him as a player. This year, he will return the favor and show how much he believes in McVay as a coach.