Patriots: Numbers prove it’s time to show JC Jackson respect

The numbers prove that Patriots cornerback JC Jackson deserves respect.

It’s no secret that the New England Patriots’ defense kept the team afloat in 2019. They were seemingly breaking records left and right through the first half of the campaign, and though the group regressed to the mean to close out the year, it was still posting elite numbers by NFL standards.

The Patriots success on defense was largely built on their ridiculous ability to neutralize opposing passing attacks. No group in the league surrendered fewer touchdowns, gave up a lower completion percentage, or had more interceptions than New England.

Therefore, it’s not much of a surprise that they also ranked No. 1 in the NFL in both points and yards allowed per game.

While studs like Stephon Gilmore, Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy nabbed most of the headlines, the production and consistency of cornerback JC Jackson was grossly overlooked by the media. After all, the 24-year-old was the second-ranked coverage player among qualified defensive backs in 2019, according to Next Gen Stats.

If this doesn’t confirm that Jackson is criminally underrated, then nothing will. But you can bet that he will play a huge role on the Patriots defense, which needs players to step up after losing numerous starters due to opt outs, moving forward.

What’s more impressive than the aforementioned stat? Back in July, Pro Football Focus revealed that Jackson allowed the lowest completion percentage on passes thrown in his direction (including the playoffs) since 2017! Opposing QBs are averaging a lousy 49.6 completion percentage when throwing his way.

Don’t hide from it, folks. It’s time we admit that the former Florida Gator will be one of the Patriots’ most important players on defense in 2020 and beyond. The stats don’t lie and they prove that everybody — including fans outside of New England — should put respect on Jackson’s name.