How did Patriots head coach Bill Belichick pull this off again?

One of the most demanded re-signings from this past free agency period by Patriots fans was ensuring J.C. Jackson remained with the team. After losing Stephon Gilmore mid-season via trade, and Jackson then having the best season of his career, losing both in just one season was not a scenario many wanted to endure.

Inevitably, Bill Belichick let Jackson walk when he signed a massive five year, $82 million contract with the L.A. Chargers. It had been reported the Patriots had extended an offer to the cornerback, but because he would earn more money upfront and have an extra year in L.A., Jackson chose to move on from his former team.

With no “star” cornerback after his departure, most in New England were pessimistic about the future of the team’s secondary. Belichick went on to select two CBs in the draft, Marcus and Jack Jones, and move Jonathan Jones to the outside when he traditionally played in the slot.

Through the first six weeks of the 2022 season, the Patriots’ defense has continued to be a dominant force on the field, including the defensive backfield. The rookie Jones’s are impressive so far, along with veterans Jon Jones and Jalen Mills. For all the concerns that brewed from Jackson’s departure, it has looked like the Patriots are better off than they had been.

The same cannot be said about the start of Jackson’s tenure in Los Angeles, however.

Because of his career-best season with the Patriots in 2021, Jackson’s move to Los Angeles has been put under a microscope. Since the start of the year, a lot of discussion has been had regarding his weak beginning with his new team, and that only heightened after this week’s Monday Night Football game.

In a long, drawn-out battle between the Broncos and Chargers, the hottest topic to come out of the game resulted from Jackson’s apparent benching at halftime. In just the first two quarters, he allowed several big plays for Denver; a 39-yard touchdown, a 47-yard gain and he was penalized for pass interference on a 3rd-and-long play.

Jackson’s performance in the game was consistent with the struggles he’s shown all season long. Through the first six weeks, he has allowed 17 catches on 23 targets for 331 yards and three touchdowns. Not only that, because opposing quarterbacks have shown no fear in throwing his way, they’ve posted an almost perfect passer rating when Jackson’s in coverage.

Because of his unfavorable performance so far, Pro Football Focus has given him the second-lowest grading for all eligible cornerbacks in the league, a far cry from where he was in New England.

Are there possible explanations for his poor showing so far? Yes, Jackson did miss two games this season due to ankle surgery he had performed in late August, which could certainly be a factor. And of course, there’s the chance that he’s still getting acclimated to the defensive scheme with the Chargers and just hasn’t quite figured it out yet.

However, given the harsh criticism Belichick faced in letting Jackson walk, it appears this is another example of the head coach knowing when to move on from a player. At the time, the move seemed far too risky and some even called it foolish. But Belichick looks to be on top once again, looking into his crystal ball and knew the Patriots would be just fine without Jackson.

How does he do it? How is Belichick able to feel fine letting players at the top of their game, like Jackson, move on to another team? And how does he consistently find incredible cornerback talent in the draft?

Whatever it is, New England has strongly benefitted from some of his more questionable decisions over the years and this sits atop the list now.