Little-known Jackson does well

An undrafted free agent in 2002, Frisman Jackson took advantage of opportunities.
By JOE SCALZO
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
CLEVELAND -- The biggest weapon for the Cleveland Browns offense on Sunday was a guy named Frisman Jackson. Or, as he was better known before the game, "Who?"
The little-known wide receiver had a career day against the Bengals, catching eight passes for 128 yards -- both career highs -- and his first career touchdown, a 68-yarder from Trent Dilfer in the second quarter that tied the score at 10.
"It was nice, but it doesn't mean anything when you lose," said Jackson. "Wins and losses are the only things that matter in the NFL."
Background
Jackson, who signed with the Browns as an undrafted free agent out of Western Illinois in September 2002, entered the game with just 16 career catches for 203 yards. He had his best game against the Steelers last November, catching five passes for 61 yards.
"From the start of training camp, Coach [Romeo] Crennel said that it doesn't matter where you are on the depth chart, if you make plays and stay consistent, you'll see playing time," he said. "I think I was playing pretty consistent toward the end of preseason."
Still, Jackson needed a little help. The Browns traded wideout Andre Davis to the Patriots last month and injuries to tight ends Aaron Shea (who was inactive on Sunday) and Steve Heiden (who was injured during Sunday's game) created opportunities for Jackson to play.
"I was able to work in the slot against a linebacker or a cornerback inside and I think I was able to take advantage of that," Jackson said. "Once I caught that first [pass], I got in a rhythm."
Open over middle
That first pass, by the way, was the 68-yard touchdown. Jackson lined up in the left slot and was wide open over the middle in front of the Bengals' zone. After he caught the pass, he sprinted to the corner and outraced linebacker Odell Thurman and defensive back Keiwan Ratliff to the end zone.
"I got open, then I got some key blocks from [William Green] and Antonio [Bryant]," he said.
Was he happy to show off his speed?
"No, the guys actually made fun of me on the sideline, telling me they had to hold their blocks extra long," he said. "But hey, they didn't catch me, so I was fast enough."
With Bryant facing double coverage for much of the game (he finished with five catches for 65 yards) and the other receivers ineffective, it was up to Jackson to provide the spark.
No choice
"Frisman played well," said Dilfer. "We obviously didn't want to play four wides the whole game but with Heiden banged up and playing from behind, we didn't have a choice. Obviously, he made a great play on the TD."
And while Crennel wasn't in the mood to praise anyone following the game, he was encouraged by Jackson's performance.
"He came in and did a nice job," Crennel said. "He caught balls, especially at the end of the game with the pressure on, and made some nice catches. He did a reasonably good job."
scalzo@vindy.com