Chargers' Jackson looks forward to facing Revis
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - Even the best offenses have taken to conceding the portion of the field covered by Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis. They test him because he's generally man-to-man with the best receiver, but frustration usually sets in and they inevitably focus on other areas of the defense.
Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson hopes to change that in Sunday's AFC divisional playoff game at Qualcomm Stadium. Coming off his second straight 1,000-yard season, the 6-5 Jackson says he's looking forward to facing Revis.
Asked if he expects Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers to avoid Revis, Jackson said: "I hope not. I don't want to. I would love to just go out and do what we've been doing, play to our strengths and go after it.
"He's had some success against some of the best receivers in the league. Part of that comes from teams that say, 'Hey, if you're going to try to take away , that's fine because we should be able to beat you in other areas.' I would love to have a great game against him, but if I don't get 100 yards or only get the ball thrown to me twice, that's OK."
Jackson ticked off the other weapons in the Chargers' passing game, including wide receiver Malcom Floyd, tight end Antonio Gates and running backs Darren Sproles and LaDainian Tomlinson. But with his combination of size and speed, few receivers can stretch a defense like Jackson, who averaged 17.2 yards on 68 catches.
The Chargers have to test Revis deep to help open areas underneath. "One thing we know they like to do is throw a lot of verticals and do screens a lot," Revis said. "For me, I think they're going to try and 'game-plan' certain matchups to get their guys the ball."
Revis plays press coverage at the line of scrimmage, but Jackson believes his size is an advantage. "He is a more physical corner," Jackson said of the 5-11 Revis. "He likes to get up and touch you, get some contact at the line of scrimmage. But I think with our size and our speed, it's not going to be any different from what we faced with other defensive backs."
Jackson has noticed the Jets sometimes play zone, which allows teams to free their best receiver from Revis' shackles. "A lot of teams are now motioning guys to get them away from me so they can make plays," Revis said. "I've got to stay on one side of the field it it's not man coverage. If it is [man], I get to follow him over there.''
Like Jackson, Revis looks forward to the challenge of another game-breaking receiver. "I've gone up against Terrell Owens and Randy Moss and some big-time, big-size receivers," Revis said.
"Vincent Jackson does a great job on high balls of jumping. I might go play basketball this week and dunk a couple so I can get my vertical game on."
