Jackson shows he has arrived

DENVER -- Vincent Jackson is used to being an afterthought. Whether it has been in high school, college or the NFL, there's always been someone who hasn't paid enough attention to the wide receiver.

Add the Denver Broncos to the ever-growing list.

With his San Diego Chargers facing a second-and-33 in the third quarter Sunday, Jackson emerged from the huddle only to find linebacker Ian Gold staring back at him in man-to-man coverage in the slot.

The Broncos might as well have assigned me to cover the 6-foot-5, 241-pound standout at University of Northern Colorado.

Without saying a word to quarterback Philip Rivers, Jackson flew down the middle of the field past Gold where Rivers hit the third-year pro for his longest reception of the season -- a 45-yard gain.

"When I see that, I'm just licking my chops," Jackson said. " ... Shoot, we're happy to get a safety on receivers, and to get a linebacker is even better."

In the pick-your-poison offensive attack the Chargers employ, San Diego forces teams to choose which weapon they want to weaken. Although it didn't work on any of the Chargers' guns Sunday -- for San Diego cruised to a 41-3 victory at Invesco Field at Mile High -- the Broncos certainly underestimated Jackson.

"I guess they don't want a linebacker taking me now," said tight end Antonio Gates, giving the only explanation he could muster as to why the Broncos tried to defend Jackson with a linebacker. "They figure they will take Vincent, and I guarantee you that's the wrong thing to do, definitely. Vincent is a tremendous receiver.

"He's got big-play ability, and he showed it today."

Jackson even hurt the Broncos when they gave him the respect he deserves. With one of the top corners in the league, Dre Bly, lined up against him at the end of the third quarter, Rivers found Jackson in the corner of the end zone for a 15-yard score to give the Chargers a 34-3 lead.

"I wanted to take the post and Dre kind of guessed a little bit and jumped inside me," said Jackson of his second touchdown of the season. "Luckily, Philip recognized it like I did and he threw it in the back of the end zone, and I was able to keep my feet in."

Staying grounded has never been a problem for Jackson.

Coming out of Widefield High School in Colorado Springs, the Division II Bears were one of only a few colleges who showed any interest in him. Even after he proved himself at UNC, earning the 61st overall selection in the 2005 NFL Draft, Jackson had to show the Chargers he wasn't just a big fish in a small pond when he showed up for camp.

Now, in his first year as a starting wide receiver for the Chargers, all of Jackson's hard work is starting to pay off. With his three receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown Sunday, Jackson has recorded at least 50 yards receiving in seven of his last nine games.

Jackson knows what he's capable of.

"My confidence is soaring right now," Jackson said. " ... I'm not just a deep threat anymore like I was in the past couple of years. I feel like I'm a possession receiver and I can make plays across the middle and make things happen for this offense."

The Chargers have no doubt Jackson can be a star in this league.

Somebody better tell the Broncos before the rematch Christmas Eve or V-Jack might just bust out on national television with his first 100-yard performance of his NFL career.

That is, unless someone else underestimates him first.

Tom Wright is the Tribune's sports columnist. He may be reached at (970) 352-0211 ext. 11228 or by e-mail at twright@greeleytribune.com. Read Tom's blog at www.greeleytribune.com/section/BLOGS.