Vincent Jackson: The Best Big-Time Receiver in the NFL That No One Talks About

In 2005, the San Diego Chargers had their best draft of the decade with five of their seven draftees starting for the Chargers at least once this season. Five seasons ago, the Chargers took a chance late in the second round and drafted a wide receiver out of Northern Colorado who had good size and the ability to stretch the field.

Along with Vincent Jackson’s 6-5 frame comes his unexpected speed that has made it easy for Phillip Rivers to find him deep, averaging 17 yards per catch.

Since Vincent Jackson’s first year in the NFL his numbers have increasingly gotten better.

However, the best thing to happen to Jackson in his short career other than Phillip Rivers was the Charger’s acquisition of Chris Chambers from the Dolphins in mid-year of the 2007-08 season.  

Until the Chargers traded for Chambers, Vincent Jackson was lined up as the Chargers No.1 receiver but wasn’t a No.1 receiver. Jackson was facing the leagues best corners and because of his inexperience struggled.

Thus came seven-year player Chris Chambers who took on the roll as the Chargers No.1 receiver and relieved the duty from Jackson.

Last year in his first full season as the No.2 receiver on the depth chart, Jackson had over 1,000 yards receiving and a career-high seven touchdowns. It was a year where Jackson proved his critics wrong and displayed with more experience why he should be considered as the Chargers No.1 receiver.

A half year later, Jackson emerges as one of the top receivers in the league, the Chargers drop Chris Chambers and now Jackson is on pace to break career numbers in receptions, yards, and touchdowns.

The trade that might seem minor at the moment might have unleashed a beast sooner than expected.

Jackson has become the go-to-guy for Rivers with 38 of his 43 receptions going for first downs, the best percentage in the NFL. Coming off his worst game of the season with only 1 catch for 10 yards against Philadelphia, Jackson faces the top corner in the league in Champ Bailey.

The wide receiver had a solid day with 4 receptions for 46 yards and a touchdown against Bailey and the Broncos in the first game this year.

In No. 83’s first game without Chambers he grabbed five balls for 58 yards and two touchdowns, the last touchdown coming on the winning-drive for the Chargers at Giant Stadium. He has had four 100-yard receiving games and broke a first half Charger record of 142 receiving yards in the first half at Kansas City.   

In the absence of Chambers, the Chargers receiving core is relatively young with Jackson being the most experienced. This is another reason why Jackson must step up.

It’s time for Jackson to break out of his shell and become a breakout player. With the absence of a high-profiled running game this is his time to shine.

Jackson’s next game against the Broncos is a big-time game and big-time players show up in big-time games. And coming off his worst game statistically it would be even more impressive against Champ Bailey to have a big day. After facing the Broncos, the Chargers face a trio of sub-par secondary. Kansas City, Cleveland, and Dallas should all be nice match ups for Jackson.

The Chargers offense will look for big plays down the stretch and don’t be surprised if Vincent Jackson is the player to supply the spark.