Packers: 3 Matchups to watch vs Vikings in Week 8
By Kenny Jilek
Josh Jackson vs. Justin Jefferson
Josh Jackson will be starting at cornerback once again in place of the injured Kevin King and it will be the battle of the J.J.’s as he faces Justin Jefferson. After a slow start to his rookie campaign, Justin Jefferson has become a fixture in the Vikings offense. He had just two catches in three targets for 26 yards in week one against the Packers, but he’ll likely be targeted much more often this time around.
Jackson, after a disappointing start to his career and speculation he could be cut in camp, has competed well in place of King. He’s shown some unexpected toughness and physicality in the run game and has back-to-back games with a tackle for loss against the Buccaneers and Texans. He also played great coverage against Brandin Cooks last week.
Josh Jackson shadowed Brandin Cooks on almost 80% of snaps on Sunday.
— Peter Bukowski (@Peter_Bukowski) October 28, 2020
Cooks was 1/2 for 12 yards with a drop vs. Jackson who played decisive football since being put in the starting lineup.
Brandin Cooks and Justin Jefferson share some similarities. They both have plenty of slot experience, but are playing mostly outside this year because their teams have slot guys Randall Cobb and Chad Beebe respectively. Jefferson had only five snaps in the slot against the Titans and Texans in weeks three and four, two games in which he had triple-digit receiving yards.
Jackson has a lot to play for this weekend. He’s playing to keep getting snaps once Kevin King comes back. He’s playing to prove that he can be the outside corner opposite Jaire Alexander going forward and that they don’t need King after this season. Maybe he can prove that a move to safety isn’t a terrible idea as he’s much more comfortable in zone coverage.
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This matchup has major implications for the game’s outcome because Jaire will probably lock up Thielen on the other side of the field, so Cousins will be looking for Jefferson a lot. Jackson staying on top of Jefferson would make Cousins have to find lesser weapons and let the pass rush get to him. There’s much more at stake than just this week, however, as Jackson could solidify his spot as a starter going forward with a big game or be relegated to only defensive back heavy packages and special teams duty if he gets shredded by Jefferson. This is an important matchup for this game, but it will affect the future of the Green Bay Packers more than any other one on the field.
What matchup do you think is most important for a Green Bay Packers’ victory this week? Do you think that Josh Jackson has what it takes to be a starting cornerback going forward? Let me know in the comments below or on Twitter @DairylandXpress.