For each of the past 10 seasons, there are big-name cornerbacks who held quarterbacks to the league’s lowest passer ratings.
- Asante Samuel – 31.7 – 2010
- Darrelle Revis – 45.6 – 2011
- Casey Hayward – 31.1 – 2012
- Richard Sherman – 36.2 – 2013
- Vontae Davis – 38.8 – 2014
- Josh Norman – 54.0 – 2015
- Xavier Rhodes – 47.0 – 2016
- A.J. Bouye – 31.6 – 2017
- Xavien Howard – 62.6 – 2018
All of them with incredible resumes. Between those players, there are 26 Pro Bowl berths and 16 All-Pro selections.
The winner of the lowest quarterback rating this past year has not earned an appearance in the NFL’s all-star game, nor has been voted best among his peers as an All-Pro. He was not even drafted.
In 2019, J.C. Jackson held quarterbacks to a meager 37.0 passer rating, besting his teammate and defensive player of the year Stephon Gilmore as well as five of the players on the list above in their respective years.
But what motivates Jackson the most according to his family, is his desire to get back to the big game after being knocked out early.
His father Christopher Jackson, sees a huge change to previous seasons after his son failed to make the Super Bowl with the Patriots for the first time in his career.
“I see a big difference [in J.C.],” Christopher said to Prime Time Sports Talk. “He’s just grinding, just working to be the best he can be.”
The Maryland alum has spent the offseason in the weight room and working on calisthenics to improve before OTAs.
Even with the above-average coverage statistics and his performance downfield (every interception Jackson has is 15-yards deep or more), the starting corner keeps the chip on his shoulder for not being recognized.
“My son told me, ‘Dad, I had an ok season, but I want to make the Pro Bowl and be an All-Pro,'” Christopher said. “It definitely motivates him, the play speaks for itself and the numbers don’t lie. You just gotta come back and keep working. Be patient and it will come to him.”
The accolades to Jackson are nice, but it is not what he plays for. Christopher says his son plays for the men beside him and that is his first priority.
“[For J.C.], it’s always the team first, it’s all about the team for him. Christopher said. “He’s just trying to win, and get better at his craft.”
It is all football for Jackson even with the players off for the rest of the winter.
“He’s always [thinking about football],” Christopher said. It’s non-stop for him. It’s never enough for him. Never enough.”
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