- The Washington Times - Tuesday, December 22, 2015

ASHBURN — Kirk Cousins’ throw to DeSean Jackson was not quite perfect, but the result certainly was in the Washington Redskins’ 35-25 win against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

On first-and-10 in the third quarter, Cousins launched a deep ball toward the left sideline. The pass was slightly underthrown, but Jackson adjusted to the ball to make the catch, then outran two Bills defenders the remaining 35 yards to the end zone.

It was a throw Cousins might not have attempted and a catch Jackson might not have made when the speedy wide receiver returned seven weeks ago after tearing his left hamstring in the season opener.

When Jackson returned against the New England Patriots, he was not fully healthy and it was noticeable. Over the last few weeks, Jackson has hit his stride. He caught six passes for 153 yards against the Bills and has scored four touchdowns in the last five games. The lengths of those touchdown receptions: 56, 63, 28 and 77 yards.

Not only is Jackson more comfortable, but the chemistry is building between him and Cousins.

“[Jackson’s] first game back [against] New England, I don’t think he was quite right,” coach Jay Gruden said. “He’s gradually getting himself back to where he is rolling and I think he’s been healthy the last three or four weeks. It’s just a matter of getting back into the flow and getting that continuity with the quarterback and having that trust in Kirk.

“You can see the other day, he threw a ball up to him, the 77-yarder, that maybe a couple of weeks ago he wouldn’t have thrown just because he wasn’t sure how DeSean would adjust to it or what have you, but I think the trust factor between DeSean and Kirk is starting to grow — and with all the receivers, quite frankly.”

The Redskins can certainly benefit from more of the same chemistry on Saturday night when they face the Philadelphia Eagles. With a win, Washington can clinch the NFC East and a playoff spot.

After Sunday’s win, Jackson also hinted at his excitement to face his former team, but doesn’t want it to overshadow the team’s focus on what is at stake.
Jackson missed the first game against the Eagles this season. In two games against the Eagles last year, the wide receiver’s first with the Redskins, he caught nine passes for 243 yards and a touchdown.

“When the opportunity presents itself, we definitely know what we’re in for,” Jackson said. “I don’t really look too forward. I don’t want to make headlines or news. I don’t really care too much about that. We’ve got a game to win against Philly. Inside, I definitely will be going crazy in my mind, but I don’t want to make it a bigger game than what it already is.”

• Anthony Gulizia can be reached at agulizia@washingtontimes.com.

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