Patriots: 3 players poised for breakout seasons in 2020
1. JC Jackson
JC Jackson is looking to build off his strong performance from last season.
Once again, the Patriots successfully landed on another undrafted free agent in 2018 in cornerback JC Jackson, who is going to play an even bigger role this season with the team losing key defensive players to free agency and opt outs.
After going undrafted out of Maryland in 2018, Jackson has become one of the best cornerbacks in the entire NFL, but hasn’t gotten the recognition, which is why we’re suggesting this could be his breakout campaign. We guess that’s what happens when you’re on the same team and play the same position as the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Stephon Gilmore.
Jackson also allowed the lowest completion percentage in the league on passes thrown his direction (49.6%). The only way for an opposing quarterback to be successful against the Patriots is to throw it in the middle of the field since Jackson and Gilmore are tightly manning the outside.
3 Patriots CBs ranked in the top 10 in passer rating allowed in 2019
— PFF (@PFF) February 11, 2020
First team to do so since 2006 pic.twitter.com/LwyHeFcaWK
With strong coverage and great play from Jackson, he propelled the Patriots into forming the best secondary in the NFL last season. In doing so, the defense had the most interceptions, allowed the fewest touchdowns, and gave up the lowest completion percentage in the league.
The elite cornerback finished the season totaling 36 tackles, 10 pass deflections, and five interceptions (fourth-most in the NFL). Jackson has proven his worth to New England, now it’s time for the rest of the league to know what he’s about. Expect him to shut down opposing receivers even more effectively in 2020.
