Bill Belichick is happy with how J.C. Jackson has responded
J.C. Jackson has made amends and Bill Belichick has noticed a change.
After a rough couple of weeks for the veteran cornerback,
Jackson took accountability for his mistakes that led to his benching against Washington and then him being kept home when the Patriots traveled to Germany. When the
Patriots returned to Gillette Stadium on Monday, following their bye week, Jackson made it clear he was sorry for his actions.
On Friday, his head coach said he’s noticed nothing but positive things from the cornerback.
“J.C.’s been good,” Belichick said when asked how the
cornerback responded this week. “He’s been good. He’s practiced well. Ready to go. Competed well.”
Jackson was traded back to the Patriots in Week 5 where he made an
instant impact on defense. After playing 50% of the snaps that first week, Jackson started the next three games for the Patriots. In his first three games back in New England, the cornerback allowed six catches on 18 targets (33%) for 76 yards to go with a touchdown and pass breakup.
Problems arose for Jackson against Miami in Week 8. He allowed five catches on eight targets for 94 yards to go with two touchdowns and two pass breakups. The next week,
Jackson told MassLive he missed multiple bed checks in the Patriots team hotel on Saturday night before the team’s game against the Commanders. That led to the Patriots benching Jackson and leaving him at home for their Germany trip.
This week, Jackson told MassLive he was sorry for what happened and took all accountability.
“It was a punishment on my behalf and that’s what it was. I didn’t take it any other way than, this is punishment and I hope you learn from it and grow from this mistake I made,”
Jackson said. “And I’m here now, so hopefully that won’t happen again. It was all my fault. I made a mistake. That’s what you’re going to get from Bill (Belichick). That’s one thing about him. He’s going to discipline no matter who you are.”
Jackson said the incident was a “reality check” and made it a point to say he’s not bigger than the team and it isn’t about him. Clearly, his attitude has resonated with his coach. Last week, the Patriots released cornerback Jack Jones, who was also benched against Washington but traveled to Germany.
Considering Jackson is still in Foxborough, it’s a sign that the Patriots like how he’s responded to the team’s discipline.
Jackson told MassLive that he’s been working on his mental health and it’s his goal to be a great professional.
“You all see us in those little, small helmets, but we’re dealing with – as soon as we walk out these doors - we’re dealing with reality and what a normal person has to deal with,” Jackson told MassLive. “I salute players who have a lot of success being a professional because it’s not easy. When you’re successful like Tom Brady, the greats, you know what they’re doing to get there. That’s why they get a lot of honor and a lot of respect.
“It’s not easy being great. It’s a challenge every day. Every day you wake up, you’ve got to get better. I’m a professional. Every day I wake up, I have to challenge myself.”
