Panthers cornerback Mike Jackson opens up on key defensive plays amid Cardinals' trash talk

Mike Jackson reveled in making some big plays despite the Panthers being called trash.
Dec 1, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA;  Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) catches the ball as Carolina Panthers cornerback Michael Jackson (2) defends in overtime at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Dec 1, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) catches the ball as Carolina Panthers cornerback Michael Jackson (2) defends in overtime at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
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There was reportedly a lot of trash talk from the Arizona Cardinals today. It was a day that ended in misery after the Carolina Panthers eliminated the Cards from playoff contention, but Arizona seemed to believe the Panthers were beneath them for most of the day.

Jaycee Horn addressed this as well in his postgame comments, but fellow cornerback Mike Jackson, who made two key pass breakups in the waning moments of Sunday's outing, also confirmed what the Cardinals players were saying.

Panthers corner Mike Jackson discusses Cardinals trash talk, defensive stops

Mike Jackson felt like the Cardinals offense was specifically targeting him late in the contest. "Somebody on their sideline [was talking trash]," Jackson said. "I just played good football... That's fine, they can call us trash. We beat them. So if we're trash, what's that mean?"

Jackson finished with six tackles and two pass deflections, both of which came late in the game. The cornerback helped prevent the Cardinals from scoring and winning in overtime, which gave way to Chuba Hubbard's walk-off winner.

The Cardinals didn't need to throw as often, as the run game was dominant most of the day. However, when the Panthers had the lead and James Conner was out of the contest, they resorted to the air much more. That allowed the Panthers' corners and defensive backs like Jackson to make plays, and they did. It helped eliminate the Cardinals from postseason contention and clearly frustrated the Arizona sideline.

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Zach Roberts
ZACH ROBERTS

Zachary is a graduate of Southern Adventist University. He earned a degree in Mass Communication with an emphasis in Writing and Editing. He has covered sports, video games, entertainment and is a lifelong Carolina Panthers fan.