J.C. Jackson says the Chargers’ passing game is ‘not really a big challenge’ to stop

New England Patriots cornerback J.C. Jackson expressed significant praise for Los Angeles Chargers receiver Keenan Allen, the team’s top receiver. But Jackson seemed to think the Patriots would be able to stop the Chargers passing attack, led by quarterback Justin Herbert.

“I mean, it’s not really a big challenge. We’ve just gotta do what we do best,” Jackson said on Thursday, via the Boston Herald’s Andrew Callahan.

Last year’s matchup might have helped bolster Jackson’s confidence. Herbert had one of the worst games — if not the worst game — of his career with a completion percentage of 59.6, 209 yards, two interceptions and no touchdowns in New England’s 45-0 blowout.

This year, it’s possible Jackson will match up with Allen, though New England doesn’t always give their cornerbacks a strict man-to-man assignment, particularly when a team has two legitimate threats. And the Chargers certainly have that, with receiver Mike Williams as the WR2.

If Jackson gets Allen in Week 8, the cornerback seems to know he’ll have his hands full.

“I feel like he is a great receiver,” Jackson said, via MassLive’s Chris Mason. “One of the tops in the game. I respect the guy.”

The centerpiece of the Chargers offense is, of course, Herbert, who won rookie of the year in 2020. This season, he has thrown for 1,771 passing yards, 14 touchdowns and four interceptions. L.A.’s passing offense is 15th-best in the NFL in passing yards and ninth-best in touchdowns. Their offense as a whole is 13th in points per game (24.7).

They haven’t been on a particularly torrid pace, though they haven’t had to score as many points as last season. They’re 4-2 and, surprisingly, have kicked off the season by unseating the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West. The Chargers are coming off a bye after losing, 34-6, to the Baltimore Ravens.

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