The Patriots are trying to prevent a three-game losing streak ahead of Sunday’s showdown against the Colts, and it sounds like their secondary might be a little short-handed this weekend.
According to Ian Rapoport, veteran defensive back J.C. Jackson will not make the trip to Germany, with the club instead opting to leave him in New England with “questions about his reliability” apparently coming into play with the decision.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported that the reason Jackson was on the sideline to begin the team’s game against Washington this past Sunday was due to the defensive back being late to the team hotel.
That “reliability” issue is one of the things Breer points out has “long plagued” the former undrafted free agent.
Jack Jones was also on the sideline with Jackson to begin Sunday’s game, although it’s not known what caused him to miss the early part of the contest.
Defensive back coach Mike Pellegrino spoke to reporters on Tuesday and wouldn’t elaborate, just saying that everyone knows what’s required of them heading into each week.
“Things happen, I just put the guys out there that I felt like were ready to go in that moment,” said Pellegrino. “Everybody knows what they need to do to play, so I’ll just kind of leave it at that.”
“I’m not trying to create a narrative. I trust all my guys. They all went in and played, right? So I’ve said this from, I think, week one. If they’re at the game, that means they’re ready, they’re prepared, and they’re ready to go into the game.”
According to Pellegrino, it sounds like he was the one who made the decision, not Bill Belichick when it came to those players.
“I have faith in all my guys to go out there and execute the game plan and do a great job. Really just did what I thought was best in that moment.”
Jackson’s absence likely opens the door for additional playing time for both Shaun Wade and Myles Bryant, which will certainly be something to watch on Sunday.
Belichick had praise for Wade on Wednesday, who started against the Commanders and had apparently made some good progress.
“Shaun’s been consistent. Practiced well. He’s been consistent. He’s taken advantage of his opportunities,” said Belichick. “He’s strung together a couple of good weeks. Every week is its own week, so I don’t know. But, yeah, he’s trending the right way.”
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Ian Logue is a Seacoast native and owner and senior writer for PatsFans.com, an independent media site covering the New England Patriots and has been running this site in one form or another since 1997.
