DeSean Jackson wants to connect better with his quarterbacks on deep balls, wants to make more of his opportunities in his second season with the Bucs.

But ultimately, he's a 31-year-old who hasn't won a playoff game since his rookie year in 2008, so his focus is keenly on team success and improving on a 5-11 record last season.

"Obviously, last year was a frustrating year for everyone that's a part of the Buccaneers, but there's one common goal: To go out there and put the work in, and hopefully the results show on Sundays," Jackson said Tuesday, wearing an old-school Bucco Bruce t-shirt under his jersey.

Video: DeSean Jackson says training camp is all about Bucs players coming together and getting on same page with common goal of helping team get more wins in 2018. pic.twitter.com/vqiRipob7Y — Greg Auman (@gregauman) July 31, 2018

It's still only the first week of practice, but there have been flashes of promise for Jackson, still showing the speed. On Thursday, he reeled in a deep ball from Ryan Fitzpatrick, and on Sunday, Jameis Winston hit him in stride for a near-perfect long gain, drawing the biggest cheers on the first practice open to the general public.

Video: Bucs QB Ryan Fitzpatrick throws to DeSean Jackson. pic.twitter.com/oX2Ik0Rz9k — Greg Auman (@gregauman) July 31, 2018

"D-Jack is about 40 years old, but he's still the fastest dude on our team," said defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, a year younger than Jackson. "It's hard for guys to run with him."

Jackson has seen a personal bounce-back season do the same for his team before. In 2012, he struggled, getting only two touchdown catches as the Eagles went 4-12, four games out of third place in their division. A year later, he was a Pro Bowl receiver, setting career highs in catches (82), yards (1,332) and touchdowns (9) as the Eagles were 10-6 and division champs.

He's unlikely to come close to those numbers as part of a deep group of downfield targets for Jameis Winston, and Ryan Fitzpatrick while Winston is serving a three-game suspension. The improvement in the talent level is what Jackson sees as the biggest difference from last year to now.

"We have a lot more competitive players now," Jackson said. "A lot of new additions coming from winning mentalities. They're able to push other guys on this team to the highest of their potential. I think that's the first and foremost thing, just the competitive nature, guys working harder and putting the work in."

Second-year players like receiver Chris Godwin and tight end O.J. Howard are poised to improve on their rookie seasons, and the Bucs added to their run game, both in signing center Ryan Jensen and drafting running back Ronald Jones in the second round.

"A reliable running game can help tremendously, especially down the field with big plays," Jackson said. "Defenses will have to account for that, especially with running backs like Peyton (Barber) and RoJo running hard, even (Charles) Sims and Jacquizz (Rodgers). With a stronger line up front to help protect the quarterbacks, it's a great addition to have."

As Jackson walked by the practice field after Tuesday's drills, Fitzpatrick threw a long pass to one of his young sons, and Jackson raised his arms in mock protest that he'd found a new downfield threat. "He's got my speed!" the 35-year-old quarterback said.

Fitzpatrick and Jackson connected well last season, with a touchdown in the win against Miami and a season-high eight catches for Jackson when Fitzpatrick played against Atlanta. The quarterback said he's happy to have someone who can test his arm strength downfield.

"Probably going to ice my arm after I threw that one," he joked of his deep ball Thursday. "I think it went over 30 yards without a flutter, so that was a record for me. He's obviously a home run hitter and a guy defenses have to account for and that are afraid of, so we 're going to try to give him as many opportunities as possible."

Jackson had only one 100-yard game last year and only three touchdown catches, the latter his lowest total since his rookie year. He's ready to bounce back, with the hopes that his team can do the same.

"I just want to be able to spark this team up, give them high energy, good plays and explosive plays," he said.