J.C. Jackson Beef with Chargers Coaches Led to Trade to New England Patriots - Report
The New England Patriots know J.C. Jackson, having once employed him. So coach Bill Belichick and crew know what they are getting into with this week's trade for cornerback help.
But it is worth noting that the Los Angeles Chargers, meanwhile, know what they're getting out of - and are happy to be doing so.
Jackson was sent to the bench in Week 3, demoted by Chargers coaches due to their evaluation of his performance. He was still a reserve in Week 4 - despite the massive contract he agreed to when he left New England as a free agent and joined L.A. - but he was active for last Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
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In the third quarter of that game, Chargers coaches called upon Jackson to enter the game because Michael Davis had suffered an ankle injury. According to NFL Network, Jackson “repeatedly” refused to follow the coaches' direction.
Multiple coaches allegedly tried to coerce Jackson into doing his job. He declined ... so Davis ended up having to play through his injury. Davis ended up being on the field for 72 of the team's 73 defensive snaps. Jackson ended up being on the field for zero snaps.
In New England, maybe Belichick's understanding of the player will fix all of this. Or maybe a "change of scenery'' can be more than a cliche. But with prized rookie Christian Gonzalez' injury, the Pats find themselves in need - and we're about to see if Jackson is able - and willing? - to fill that need.