NFC Notes: Buccaneers, Eagles, Lions

February 11, 2018

Buccaneers

Buccaneers WR DeSean Jackson said Friday morning on FOX Sports 1 that he and Jameis Winston “have to merge” this offseason and work to get on the same page for the 2018 season.

“I think we have to merge.. last year everything kind of happened at the snap of a finger,” Jackson said, via Florida Football Insiders. “You got the offseason. You got free agent signings. Everybody was happy about the off-season, but the work has to be put in.

“As far as me getting down the field, we got to get that timing down pat… Last year we were missing a couple of big-time hits. This year we can’t afford that.”

Jackson also explained that Winston just needs to focus on being himself and getting back to having fun.

“He’s got to get back to hisself (sic). He’s got to get back to being Jameis Winston. He’s got to get back to going in the backyard playing and having fun….. You can’t put no “over pressure” (sic) on it…” Jackson said. “There’s nothing wrong with that (hyping the team up). I like all that. I like the energy. I like all the loud talking. As long as you’re able to do that and back it up, everything is good.”

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have fired defensive line coach Jay Hayes on Sunday. (Greg Auman)

Eagles

Jimmy Kempski of PhillyVoice.com admits that the Eagles face a tough call with veteran RB LeGarrette Blount this offseason and they could wait until the draft before making a decision about his status with the team. However, Kempski believes the odds are against Blount returning to Philadelphia for the 2018 season.
Considering the Eagles’ tight cap situation, Kempski believes veteran Darren Sproles could be playing for another team if he wants to return.
Other running back Kempski can see the Eagles moving on from this offseason is Kenjon Barner.
Kempski expects Donnel Pumphrey and Wendell Smallwood to compete for jobs in training camp.