Patriots-Ex J.C. Jackson on Week 13 in Foxboro: ‘Revenge’!
FOXBORO — The New England Patriots will host the Los Angeles Chargers at the friendly confines of Gillette Stadium in Week 13 of the 2023 NFL season.
Though the matchup may hold some late-season significance due to its potential playoff implications, Chargers' cornerback -- and former Patriot -- J.C. Jackson has Dec. 3 circled for a different reason.
“It’s a revenge game for me,” Jackson told NFL Network on Thursday. “I’m excited to go back and pick Mac Jones off and show them why they should’ve never let me go.”
After spending the first four seasons of his career with the Pats, Jackson traded the Atlantic Ocean for the Pacific by signing a five-year, $82.5 million contract with the Bolts in March 2022. With the specter of his rookie contract expiring at the end of the 2021 season, Jackson and the Patriots frequently found themselves at a stalemate during negotiations. As a result, the former Maryland Terrapin felt somewhat disrespected by the team which originally signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2018.
While some may see Jackson's confidence as excessive, he joined Los Angeles having finished his most productive season as a pro. Through seventeen regular season games in 2021, the 27-year-old logged 44 solo tackles, a league-leading 23 passes-defensed and eight interceptions, with one having been returned for a touchdown. His eight interceptions were the second-most in the NFL, behind Dallas Cowboys’ cornerback Trevon Diggs (11). For his efforts, Jackson was elected to his first Pro Bowl, as well as earning a selection as a second-team All-Pro. He finished his Patriots tenure having compiled 158 total tackles, 53 passes-defensed and 25 interceptions.
Still, Jackson may be engaging his bravado at his own risk. The five-year veteran struggled during his brief time on the field with the Chargers. In fact, his on-field discomfort eventually led to his being benched for fellow cornerback Michael Davis in Week 6 matchup with the Denver Broncos. Though he returned to the starting lineup for the Bolts Week 7 contest against the Seattle Seahawks, he suffered a non-contact patellar tendon rupture that ended his season. In just five games-played, Jackson mustered only 15 tackles and two passes-defensed.
As Jackson heads into 2023, he is once again healthy and hoping to return to the form which made him one of the top ball-hawking defensive backs in the NFL. For the Patriots, Mac Jones and the Pats new-look offense will look to exploit Jackson's often over-aggressive approach.
The only question remains is who will have the last laugh heading into Week 14?
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