Defending Charger’s delivery game ‘not really a big challenge’ – Boston Herald

FOXBORO – Last year, the Patriots Chargers shut out 45-0 in their best defensive performance of the season.

However, Los Angeles is a very different team now than it was then, with 4-2 under new coach Brandon Staley. Second-year quarterback Justin Herbert has since built on his Rookie of the Year campaign by completing 65.4% of his passes for 1,771 yards, 14 touchdowns and four selections over six games. He is surrounded by top-ranked Pro Bowl wideout Keenan Allen, one-time 1,000-yard receiver Mike Williams and do-it-all runner Austin Ekeler.

Together, they have formed the NFL’s sixth-best passing offense by DVOA. And yet, Pat’s cornerback JC Jackson is not so impressed.

From Jackson’s press conference Thursday morning:

Reporter: “How big a challenge is the passing game in Chargers for your group, and what should you do to try to slow them down?”

Jackson: “I mean, it’s not really a big challenge. I mean, we just have to do what we’re best at: playing our football and trusting each other, trusting our teammates.”

Jackson intercepted Herbert and collected three tackles during last year’s meeting. Herbert went 26-of-53 for 209 yards, zero touchdowns and two picks, posting the lowest passing rating in his young career.

Before dismissing the Chargers’ passing as a whole, Jackson praised Allen, whom he called Herbert’s “go-to guy.”

“I respect that guy. He’s a great route runner,” Jackson said. “He’s smart about it. And he has hands. ”

The Pats and Chargers start at 16:05 from SoFi Stadium.