J.C. Jackson
Even without Stephon Gilmore, the New England Patriots have an excellent secondary and that is due in large part to J.C. Jackson. The Patriots starting cornerback was an undrafted free agent signing in 2018 and has gotten better every season, starting five games as a rookie, eight last year and nine this year.
One of the things that set Jackson apart is the way he is able to force interceptions and play the ball when it is in the air. He had eight interceptions in his first two seasons in the league and has matched that total this season. The eight interceptions is only one interception off the league lead.
One of those eight interceptions came against the Buffalo Bills when the two teams faced off in Week 8.
Since Stephon Gilmore is out, the Patriots will likely put Jackson on Stefon Diggs. This doesn’t necessarily mean that Josh Allen shouldn’t target Diggs when Jackson is in coverage but he needs to avoid the poor throws that Jackson can capitalize on.