Chargers' Jackson on Monday night benching: 'I feel defeated'
Los Angeles Chargers cornerback J.C. Jackson was one of the NFL's most sought-after free agents this offseason, but after a shaky start to the year, head coach Brandon Staley benched him on Monday Night Football.
Michael Davis took Jackson's place in the second half and overtime of Monday night's matchup against the Denver Broncos.
"I feel defeated. I just feel like I'm not just being me," Jackson said Wednesday, according to NFL.com's Bridget Condon.
Jackson signed a five-year, $82.5-million deal with the Chargers after making his first Pro Bowl in 2021. He did so on the back of eight interceptions and 23 passes defensed with the New England Patriots.
"It's hard, and it's very disappointing," Jackson added. "Knowing what I can do, and I'm not able to do it. I'm not really playing to my full potential; it's kind of upsetting."
Staley's comments on Tuesday matched Jackson's sentiment.
"It just wasn't good enough in the first half, and we felt like we needed to make a change," Staley said, per Gavino Borquez of Chargers Wire.
The Chargers will face the Seattle Seahawks in Week 7. Seattle's offense currently ranks 12th in yards per game (356.0) and ninth in points per game (24.3).