J.C. Jackson cements his top-tier status with 5th pick in 5 games (Video)

Best time to respect J.C. Jackson in New England.

When fans talk about the best cornerback in the NFL, the usual suspect come to mind. Jalen Ramsey, Stephon Gilmore, Patrick Peterson and Marcus Peters all have cases to claim the top spot as the league’s best cover man.

But what about J.C. Jackson? Heck, outside of New England, most fans probably know him as the other cornerback opposite Gilmore. Well, following Sunday night’s showdown, that narrative will have to change.

In the closing seconds against the Baltimore Ravens, Jackson was lined up in man coverage against Marquise Brown. Thinking his speed would win, Lamar Jackson threw up a jump pass near the sideline. Instead of watching the pass travel out of bounds, the 5’10” corner showed his hops by snagging the ball and grabbing his sixth interception of the season.

This is a season to remember for Jackson

Sunday’s interception has started a trend for the 24-year-old cornerback. That pick is now the fifth turnover he’s caused through the air in five games. He now currently leads the NFL in interceptions to go along 16 total tackles and 10 pass deflections.

Most people have forgotten about the Patriots strong secondary thanks to poor offensive play-calling in Foxborough. The team currently ranks fourth in interceptions with 11 on the season following Jackson’s game-changing play.

The single-season record for interceptions in season is held by Dick “Knight Train” Lane, who compiled 14 in 1952. It might not be that close, but Jackson certainly is on pace to join the herald group of double-digit picks by the season’s end.