Patriots corner J.C. Jackson says he’s ‘motivated’ to take on Stephon Gilmore’s role

FOXBORO – J.C. Jackson doesn’t see all that much changing from his perspective now that Stephon Gilmore is with the Carolina Panthers.

During a session with the media Thursday, Jackson said he’s ready to assume the mantle as the team’s top corner, since that’s been his job all year.

“I still have the same mentality every day,” he said, when asked about officially being the lead cornerback, “and that’s to compete and get better.”

Jackson, however, still doesn’t view himself as a shutdown corner . He’s still striving to become that player, to be another shutdown corner like Gilmore. That’s his goal.

“I’m still not there yet,” he said. “I still got work to do . . . I still gotta lot to improve. So I feel like I don’t want to get too complacent. I’d never tell myself I’m there, yet. So that’s what keeps me motivated. That’s what keeps me going.”

With Gilmore essentially unable to play since suffering a partially torn quad injury last season, Jackson has been in the top corner role since December. He’s had a few ups and downs, but largely this season, has been effective when asked to mark the opposing team’s top receiver.

On Sunday night, Jackson did well to keep Mike Evans during the loss to the Buccaneers, and was looking forward to this week’s matchup with Houston’s Brandin Cooks. He said he feels comfortable going up against the best.

“I know their talents, I love to compete,” said Jackson. “That’s how I look at it. It’s my opportunity, my chance to really prove and show who I am.”

Jackson said he was “kind of shocked” when he learned Gilmore had been traded to the Carolina Panthers. And it’s still shocking not having him around.

Gilmore has been a mentor to Jackson since he arrived in Foxboro as an undrafted free agent in 2018. At this stage, though, Jackson feels like he can also be a resource for young corners such as Shaun Wade.

“I’m at a point now where I can teach and show the young guys how to be a better version of themselves,” said Jackson. “If they have any questions, I gotta little bit of experience. I can help them out any way possible.”

Asked the biggest lesson he took from Gilmore, Jackson pointed toward the former Defensive Player of the Year’s demeanor and how he attacked each week.

“Just the mentality he had to go out and compete every week, facing the No. 1 receiver,” said Jackson. “He never got too high, never got too low. He just stayed focused and competed every week.”

Asked if he viewed the Gilmore trade as a vote of confidence from the coaches, Jackson shrugged.

“I already know what the coaching staff thinks about that,” said Jackson. “I’m just really focused on myself and what I gotta do for the team.”

 

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3afU6VV