Postseason brings out best in Chargers' Jackson

By: SCOTT BAIR - Staff Writer | Friday, January 18, 2008 11:34 PM PST ∞

SAN DIEGO -- This was supposed to be Vincent Jackson's year.

The Chargers' 6-foot-5, 241-pound wide receiver was entering his third NFL season, fresh off a year in which he became a fixture in the starting lineup.

With Keenan McCardell no longer on the roster and Eric Parker out indefinitely with a toe injury, Jackson was going to be the No. 1 receiver for a high-powered Chargers offense. Opportunities should have been plentiful for a man with sprinter's speed and a tight end's physique.

What actually transpired pushed Jackson back into anonymity. He became a forgotten man in the Chargers' scheme, putting up lackluster numbers through midseason and prompting management to trade for former Pro Bowl receiver Chris Chambers.

During the postseason, however, Jackson finally has played to his vast potential. In the Chargers' playoff victories over Tennessee and Indianapolis, he combined to catch 12 passes for 207 yards and a pair of touchdowns -- roughly a third of his output over the previous 16 games.

"I thought I was going to be a 1,000-yard receiver," Jackson said. "That was my goal, so it was a little disappointing not to be as productive as I'd hoped. I still know that doesn't change my role or make me any less important to what we're doing on offense. It's been a nice postseason, but I'm not even close to being satisfied."

Jackson might be satisfied with another big game against the New England Patriots in today's AFC Championship Game. As one of the few completely healthy skill players on the roster, Jackson will need to make a significant impact if the Chargers are to upset the unbeaten Patriots and advance to Super Bowl XLII.

At this point, Jackson can no longer be considered a secret weapon. His playoff performances have eliminated the element of surprise and made him a legitimate go-to guy.

That's a far cry from the regular season, when opposing defenses practically encouraged the Chargers to pass the ball, especially in the direction of Jackson and his fellow wide receivers.

"Some people were bagging on that, saying that the receivers and I were (among) the weakest links on this team," Jackson said. "We do take that personally. But at the same time, we're very confident. We have some great young guys, and bringing Chris over has added another threat across the field. We're excited that people are starting to see that we have a strong, solid corps of receivers here."

Chambers brought leadership and stability to the receiving corps in general and Jackson in particular. Jackson has developed significantly since Chambers' arrival, and both have given depth to a Chargers attack that has become increasingly unpredictable as the season has continued.

"The way I like to describe our team now (is that) you've got to cover us from sideline to sideline," Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers said. "You don't have to just worry about (LaDainian Tomlinson) and (Antonio) Gates. You've got a guy to the right and a guy to the left that can run by you and can beat you and make plays after the catch."

Jackson insists that nothing significant has changed between his days of drought and prosperity, that there are no landmark receptions, turning points or words of wisdom that mark this receiving renaissance.

"There's nothing really different for me," Jackson said. "I haven't changed anything I've done during the week. It's just been a matter a getting a few more opportunities. I've come with the same mentality, that every game could bring a big game. I'm just going to continue to do what's asked of me and let the chips fall where they may."

Contact staff writer Scott Bair at (760) 739-6642 or sbair@nctimes.com.