The Los Angeles Rams set out to make their offense more explosive this offseason after there was a severe lack of big plays a season ago. Sean McVay and Les Snead wanted to add more speed, more playmakers and a vertical threat to the offense after it became clear how valuable Brandin Cooks’ wheels were in 2018 and 2019.
And so they honed in on DeSean Jackson, who was cut by the Eagles in February. One of the best deep threats in NFL history joined an offense now led by Matthew Stafford, making this a perfect match for both the Rams and Jackson.
Robert Woods can already see the impact Jackson is having with the Rams, not only with his vertical speed but also his leadership.
“Big already, I would say,” Woods said last week. “His leadership, him being able to come out here and stretch our offense, stretch it vertical and even teach our young guys – even myself – just some of his things, his skills and just picking his brain on how to be a vertical threat. Saw already out here, getting his conditioning, trying to run with him and just start for a good year.”
Woods is especially happy to have Jackson on the Rams. Both grew up in Southern California and Woods actually watched Jackson play in high school before following him all throughout his college and NFL career.
So for Woods, having Jackson in L.A. is a little bit like having a big brother on the team.
“Crazy story. My cousin, Alex Watson, played receiver with him at Long Beach Poly. I was probably in middle school going up to Long Beach Vet Stadium watching DeSean Jackson,” Woods said. “So, met him then, saw him then. Always watched him on YouTube – all his Cal highlights – watching him with the Eagles and then just him being from L.A., I always followed him in the league. Then him coming to this team, it’s kind of like a big brother, little brother experience just from watching him from high school and being able to play with him here.”
Jackson should not only create big plays down the field, but also open things up underneath for Woods and Cooper Kupp. Just having that deep threat will make a big difference for the Rams, provided Jackson stays healthy.
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