Jackson on way up
Rookie makes his presence felt at CB
FOXBORO — Each year, fans and media in New England attempt to predict which player will become the next Malcolm Butler. Of course, it’s a fool’s errand. The career arc of the former Patriots cornerback — single-handedly snapping a nine-year Super Bowl drought, mysteriously serving as a bystander in another one, and delivering Pro Bowl production in between — cannot be duplicated.
PATRIOTS NOTEBOOK
But, in a general sense, there will always be surprise performers, players who emerge late in the season and make significant contributions. Like Butler, this year’s top candidate is a cornerback. It’s rookie J.C. Jackson, who was undrafted out of Maryland. “He came in here without a lot of fanfare or outside expectations,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Friday. “He just came in and has worked hard every day, has been durable and dependable and he’s gotten better every day.” The Patriots went to Jackson alongside Stephon Gilmore and Jason McCourty late in last week’s win as they attempted to prevent a Jets comeback. This could be a sign of things to come for Jackson, whose physicality and ball skills stood out dating back to OTAs. Jackson was on the field for 21 defensive snaps against the Jets, the second most he’s played this year. “I’ve grown so much over these past weeks,” Jackson said. “Studying the game, all these meetings, practicing more, working on my technique and my fundamentals, I feel like I’ve gained a lot of confidence. Everything is slowing down for me. I’m starting to pick up on the defense and I’m starting to move fast.” Jackson, who has never given off the impression of someone who lacks confidence, explained it like this: He’s always believed in his ability, but the transition to the NFL, and particularly the Patriots’ system, is complicated. “It wasn’t overwhelming, it was just different,” Jackson said. “Everything moves faster. There’s a lot of calls and adjustments that you’ve just got to know. You’ve got to know what to do.” Jackson struggled with penalties earlier in the sea- son, highlighted by a stretch against the Bears where he was flagged twice for illegal use of the hands and once for pass interference. He’s cleaned up those errors, going four consecutive games — and 71 defensive snaps — without committing a penalty. In the fourth quarter last Sunday, the Jets tried to take advantage of Jackson on a third-and-goal. Jackson got his hands on receiver Jermaine Kearse off the line, disrupted the route, and easily stuck with Kearse as he broke his route outside. Josh McCown had nowhere to go with the ball. It was thrown way outside, and Kearse didn’t have a chance to make a play. McCown’s fourth-down pass for Kearse was broken up by Jason McCourty, and the Pats came away with a critical goal line stand. Even though he’s not a starter, Jackson is helping the Patriots finish games. “Honestly, the most important thing is who’s in there at the end of the game,” Belichick said, “not who’s in there at the beginning.”
Patterson fined
Patriots receiver Cordarrelle Patterson was fined $13,369 by the league for unsportsmanlike conduct during the team’s win over the Jets. Following a 1-yard carry with 11:15 remaining in the game, Patterson grabbed Jets defensive end Henry Anderson below the belt as he attempted to get off the ground. Anderson, who made the tackle, was apparently taking longer than Patterson would have liked to get to his feet and return to the huddle. Patterson rushed five times for 10 yards against the Jets. He has 156 rushing yards on the season, unexpectedly carving out a role as a reliable ball-carrier.
Cleats for a cause
Nineteen Patriots players and head Belichick will participate in the “My Cause, My Cleats” initiative this weekend. The NFL permits players to wear customized cleats to bring awareness to causes that are important to them. Throughout the week, players showed off their cleats. Running back Sony Michel will wear cleats with Haiti’s flag on his cleats to publicize disaster relief efforts. The country was hit by a magnitude 5.9 earthquake in October. Both of Michel’s parents immigrated to the United State from Haiti. Quarterback Tom Brady will represent the Best Buddies Foundation, as well as the Ellie Fund, a non-profit that fights breast cancer. Cornerback Stephon Gilmore is supporting causes related to depression and anti-bullying.