Chargers Expect JC Jackson to Defend Opposing Teams' Top WR's Upon Return
When the Chargers signed cornerback J.C. Jackson to a five-year contract worth $82.5 million, they were expecting him to be a major contributor to their defense. However, fate had other plans and Jackson battled through injuries all of 2022. But he is gearing up for a return this season and is eager to prove to everyone that he is still the top player that Los Angeles signed.
"Haven't done anything. Got hurt. And I just got paid," said Jackson, who finished the season with 15 tackles and two pass deflections. "I still got to prove to my teammates and to myself that I am still Mr. INT. I didn't do s--- last year.".
Jackson was known for being an interception machine and the Chargers felt like he could be the lacking presence in their secondary. Now with him returning from injury, Los Angeles should get a major boost. Jackson plans to return to defending opponents best receivers once he returns and both himself and his head coach Brandon Staley hopes it will get the best out of himself.
"That's what we brought him here to do," Staley said. "Fundamentally, we're asking him to do the things that he's done his whole career, just it's with us. It's just getting that comfort zone of being around the guys that you play with ... I'm confident that in training camp, once he gets to working with his teammates, that he'll be able to showcase the real player that he is."
Jackson will return to a defense that boasts Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack and Derwin James in it. With a healthy Jackson in the mix, the Chargers could have a top defensive unit on their hands.
Los Angeles knows that their is still work to do with Jackson and getting him back up to speed will take some time. But once things mesh, it could be beautiful for this team.
