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J.C. Jackson has developed into one of the most dominant cornerbacks in the NFL, and his defensive play-caller appears to have come to trust the defensive backs absolutely.
Jackson has tallied 25 interceptions in four seasons, including eight this year, second-most in the NFL. It’s not bad after going undrafted in 2018.
In his media availability on Tuesday, outside linebackers coach and defensive play-caller Steve Belichick talked about what it was like to work with Jackson. Taking over his current position in 2020, Belichick has served several coaching roles in New England on the defensive side of the football. He was the secondary/safeties coach in 2019 and was able to work with Jackson during that timeframe.
“J.C. is — that guy’s got a knack for the ball. He’s got incredible ball skills. I’ve been watching him here since we got him as an undrafted rookie,” Belichick said Tuesday. “It’s pretty fun to watch. … It’s a great benefit to have him on our defense. He does a lot of things really well. He’s a tough kid. He loves to compete, and so I’ve got confidence in everything that I call that J.C. will get the job done out there.”
With the departure of Stephon Gilmore in October, Jackson officially assumed the role as the team’s top corner. Jackson has recorded two interceptions in a game twice, against the New York Jets on September 19 and Carolina Panthers on November 7. Most recently, he was able to tally one against the Jacksonville Jaguars in a 50-10 rout.
“I see all the work he puts in during the week. I see him studying. I see him preparing. I see him compete every single day he goes out on the field,” Belichick said. “I have a lot of respect for that and a lot of respect for his mindset and his attitude and I’m happy I get to coach him and happy when he goes out on the field.”
As the Patriots look towards the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, Jackson and his defensive prowess may be needed as he will likely face a matchup with Stephon Diggs. The last time these two teams met, the wide receiver had seven catches for 86 yards and a touchdown. With seasons on the line, how Jackson plays on Saturday may have a bit of extra meaning.
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