After starting the season off in New Orleans in a glamorous way against the Saints last week, Ryan “Fitzmagic” found a way to stay magical in a second consecutive game against the reigning world champions, the Philadelphia Eagles. He continued right where he left off and threw a long bomb to DeSean Jackson on the very first play of the game for a 75 yard touchdown. Jackson, who played against the team that drafted him and that he played six seasons for, made history with this impressive score. It was the longest play on the first offensive snap in franchise history (662 games).
During the week, Jackson’s status was questionable for a long time, as he sustained multiple injuries against New Orleans. Fortunately, however, he was able to suit up and provide another huge game for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, hauling in four passes for a total of 129 yards and, including the long 75-yard touchdown on the very first play. DeSean was asked about the play later in the locker room by reporters,
“The middle-field safety had to go cover Mike [Evans], so once he did that there was no single-high safety… I looked up [to the] Jumbotron, I saw Fitz step back and throw and I’m, like, ‘It’s got to be coming to me.’ He threw it to the middle of the field so I could run away from the defender, I cut back and the rest is history.” – via Scott Smith, buccaneers.com, see article HERE.
In addition to that, Jackson tied wide receiver legend Jerry Rice in touchdowns that went for 60 yards or more with 23. He said that means a lot to him and that it was a very emotional moment for the 31-year old,
“For the league to understand, I made my mark… I’ve still got a lot of ball left in me. To tie Jerry Rice’s record is very emotional for me. I’m still playing. They’re out there [saying] I lost a step, I’m slow, I can’t play anymore. I’m just here for the long ball” – via Scott Smith, buccaneers.com
Jackson has seemed to turn into Fitzpatrick’s favorite target through the first two weeks of the season. He did spread the ball around nicely, though, and involve most of his plenty receiving threads.