Elijah Jackson has taken a big step forward in Steve Belichick’s defense

Elijah Jackson has shown tremendous improvement under Washington’s new coaching staff.

Elijah Jackson asserted himself in Washington history after swatting a pass away from Texas receiver AD Mitchell in the Sugar Bowl, sending the Huskies to the national championship. Since that game, the Huskies have experienced an unfathomable amount of change, and Jackson has been one of the biggest benefactors from it.

Coach Jedd Fisch brought cornerbacks coach John Richardson with him from Arizona while adding Steve Belichick from the New England Patriots to run the defense. Since the arrival of the new staff, Jackson has shown tremendous improvement that has carried over to the start of the season.

Through two games, Jackson has the No. 4 highest grade for Power 4 cornerbacks from Pro Football Focus, with an 83.8. Although some of that might be due to him splitting time with Thaddeus Dixon, Jackson has been a vital piece of Belichick’s defense.

He’s played suffocating man coverage and is tied for the team lead with 2 pass breakups. Jackson also has 7 tackles through the first two contests and has been an effective run defender.

As the season progresses, he should continue to add a valuable depth piece to Washington’s secondary, which has been one of the nation’s elite to start the year, allowing just 113.5 yards per game through the air, which ranks No. 13 in the nation.