JC Jackson’s comments on Stefon Diggs add layer of intrigue to MNF

The New England Patriots will face the defining moment of their season in Orchard Park on Monday night, when they’ll have the opportunity to open up a two-game lead over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC East.

Though the expected forecast (temperatures below freezing, 30% chance of snow, etc.) suggests this will be a run-dominated affair, these teams have too much talent at quarterback, wide receiver and tight end to entirely abandon their passing games.

Speaking of which, fans will have the luxury of watching JC Jackson and Stefon Diggs lock horns once again. These are two premier players at their positions, but fans in New England will be quick to remember that Diggs got the better of Jackson when they last squared off in 2020.

You don’t have to remind Jackson, though, because the Patriots corner told the media on Friday that he’s itching for a shot at redemption.

Patriots cornerback JC Jackson wants revenge vs Stefon Diggs

"“Everybody knows Diggs, man,” Jackson said. “Diggs is one of the best receivers in the game. One of the toughest matchups that I’ve been against since I’ve been in the league. So I’m looking forward to it. I’m ready to compete, and we’ll see Monday night.”"

A former undrafted free agent back in 2018, Jackson has hardly put forward a foot wrong over his three-plus years in New England. However, his inability to contain Diggs last season was (and still is) one of the lowlights of his career.

With Stephon Gilmore limited to just 11 games last season, Jackson spent a lot of time serving as the team’s No. 1 cornerback. That saw him matched up against Diggs in both of the team’s meetings a season ago.

In their Week 8 clash, which Buffalo won 24-21, Diggs tallied six catches for 92 yards. Fast forward to Week 16, when the Bills rolled to a 38-9 victory, Diggs erupted for nine catches for 145 yards and three touchdowns.

Jackson obviously wasn’t responsible for all of that production, but he was pretty darn close. In fact, according to Pro Football Focus, Diggs managed 10 receptions (on 16 targets) for 172 yards and two TDs against Jackson.

Here’s one of those touchdowns.

Again, not Jackson’s finest moment. If you remember, it was this performance that sparked questions in regard to whether Jackson had legitimate No. 1 CB potential. To his credit, the 26-year-old has since silenced his doubters. Through 12 games, he’s second in the NFL with seven interceptions and first with 16 pass breakups. You could go as far as to say Jackson’s in the form of his life, having allowed a 0.0 passer rating and recording as many INTs (four) as he’s allowed receptions over the last five games.

However, we think we speak for everyone when we say Diggs will be his toughest test of the season. The fourth-year pro has stymied a variety of elite receivers over his career, but the Bills star has his number as of now.

Hopefully, Jackson is able to flip the script in primetime.

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