It is an understatement to say that Pro Bowl corner J.C. Jackson is having a rough start to his spell with the Los Angeles Chargers. Jackson has been struggling throughout the first six weeks of the 2022 season and was even benched during Monday’s game against the Denver Broncos.
Understandably, the benching didn’t sit well with Jackson, who told reporters on Wednesday that the move caused him to feel “defeated.”
“I feel defeated,” Jackson admitted. “I just feel like I’m not just being me.”
Jackson said that although he was disappointed with being on the bench, he realizes he isn’t playing to his full potential.
“It’s hard, and it’s very disappointing,” he added. “Knowing what I can do and I’m not able to do it. I’m not really playing to my full potential; it’s kind of upsetting.”
J.C. Jackson, an undrafted free agent in 2018, had a career year last season with the New England Patriots. He managed 58 tackles, 23 passes defended, eight interceptions, and one defensive touchdown en route to Pro Bowl and Second-Team All-Pro selections. This prompted the Chargers to make him one of the league’s best-paid cornerback by signing him to a five-year, $82.5 million contract in the offseason.
However, the move didn’t work out for the Chargers so far, as Jackson struggled to contain the opponents’ wide receivers. The 26-year-old only has 13 tackles, and one pass defended in four games while being one of the worst-graded corners in the league, according to Pro Football Focus.
