Jackson charging right into San Diego defense
Less than two weeks into training camp, J.C. Jackson is proving to be a quick study of the Los Angeles Chargers defense.
The 26-year-old cornerback, one of the top defensive signings during the offseason, has been making life difficult for wide receivers during practices. He came up with a big interception Friday during a twominute drill near the end of practice.
Backup quarterback Easton Stick threw a pass over the middle intended for Trevon Bradford before Jackson tipped it and then came up with the ball before it hit the ground.
It’s the kind of play that has made Jackson one of the top defensive backs in the league and it was deserving of the nickname of Mr. INT that he gave himself during his four years with New England.
“I’m getting the hang of it. Switching to a new team, you always have to adjust,” Jackson said. “I’m coming out here each and every day, getting to know my teammates and coaches and having fun competing.”
Jackson’s 25 interceptions over the past four seasons are the most in the league. He led the league with 23 passes defensed and was second with eight picks as he made his first Pro Bowl last season.
The Patriots, however, did not place the franchise tag on Jackson, who came into the league as an undrafted free agent in 2018. He wasn’t without a team for long as the Chargers signed him to a five-year, $82.5 million contract. The $16.5 million average per year is tied for ninthhighest among cornerbacks.
Los Angeles was 9-8 last season but missed the playoffs for the third straight year. One reason was the defense, which was ranked 23rd.
The Chargers were aggressive in addressing the defense, signing Jackson and acquiring linebacker Khalil Mack from Chicago.
According to Pro Football Focus, Jackson had the top grade in man coverage among cornerbacks who played half the snaps in their team’s games last season.
“He’s been like we anticipated from his playing days in New England. He’s come out here and just been a lock-down performer,” defensive coordinator Renaldo Hill said. “Every time he steps on the grass, he’s either close to making a play or he’s making a play.”
Even though Jackson has excelled in picking off passes, he thinks his totals can increase this season now that he is on a team with an effective pass rush duo in Joey Bosa and Mack.
Godwin back on field
Seven months after undergoing knee surgery, Buccaneers receiver Chris Godwin is back in pads on the practice field.
Godwin, who signed a three-year, $60 million contract in March, worked out in full uniform at training camp Friday — running and catching passes during individual drills, but not participating in team periods.
His return came on a day when quarterback Tom Brady missed practice because of what coach Todd Bowles described as an “excused absence.”
Brady had a scheduled day off Wednesday, his 45th birthday. The entire team was off Thursday.
“We’ll let him do what he needs to do,” Bowles said. “If he’s back [Saturday], that’s great.”
Cardinals coach on leave
Arizona Cardinals running backs coach James Saxon has been charged in Indianapolis with two counts of domestic battery stemming from an alleged incident in May. One of the counts is a felony that includes domestic battery committed in the presence of a child less than 16 years old. Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury said Saxon has been placed on administrative leave . . . The NFL Players Association has filed a brief replying to the league’s appeal in Deshaun Watson’s discipline case. Former New Jersey attorney general Peter C. Harvey now has the necessary paperwork to issue a ruling. The players’ union announced the reply brief shortly before Friday’s deadline but didn’t release its contents because it’s confidential . . . Former Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas died from “complications of a seizure disorder,” according to an autopsy report acquired by ESPN. Thomas was found dead at age 33 in his Roswell, Ga., home in December, just months after he announced his retirement from a 10season career that included stops with the Texans and Jets.