4 Buffalo Bills who stood out in Week 17 against the Atlanta Falcons

Dane Jackson

For the first time in his career, Dane Jackson is seeing consistent playing time in place of the injured Tre’Davious White. The loss of White could have been catastrophic for this defense with how good he is and what he brings to this defense.

However, the secondary has been able to continue playing at a high level and this is due in part to Dane Jackson. The former seventh round pick entered training camp competing for the starting job with Levi Wallace but would eventually lose it to the veteran.

He would get that chance to prove he can be a starter when Tre’Davious White suffered a season-ending knee injury on Thanksgiving night against the New Orleans Saints.

Since taking over for White, opposing teams are making it a point to challenge the second-year player. In Week 13 against the Patriots, Mac Jones threw only three passes all game but two were at the direction of Dane Jackson. Then from Week 14 to Week 16, Jackson was targeted 20 times but has allowed only 10 receptions.

This week was no different as Matt Ryan targeted Kyle Pitts on a long pass attempt on the opening drive. However, Dane Jackson was in coverage and able to knock the pass away even though he was giving up about six inches to the Falcons’ star tight end.

While Dane Jackson is inexperienced and will make mistakes along the way, he has shown some great potential that could earn him more playing time in 2022 and beyond.