Entering the regular season, one of the biggest question marks on the Philadelphia Eagles roster was the CB2 spot opposite of Quinyon Mitchell. During training camp and the preseason, neither Adoree' Jackson nor Kelee Ringo impressed. Still, someone had to be named the starter going into the Week 1 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, and that was Jackson.
That said, the 29-year-old proved why he shouldn't be starting against the Cowboys. Even so, Jackson didn't feel he played a terrible game. When asked after the game how he thought he played, Jackson said, "I give myself a C. There's room for improvement. Things that I did well and things that I can correct and get better at for the next week. I'm not going to hang my head."
Anyone who watched the game strongly disagrees with Jackson's self-assessment.
Adoree' Jackson Provides Wild Self-Assessment of Week 1 Performance
From the first drive alone, it was easy to see the 29-year-old didn't belong out there. On that drive, Jackson allowed a big 32-yard pass to CeeDee Lamb, which put Dallas on the one-yard line. Then, on the next play, he was called for pass interference on George Pickens.
His night only got worse from there. On the Cowboys' second drive, Jackson allowed a 26-yard catch to Lamb. The veteran defensive back finished his night allowing five receptions on seven targets for 108 yards. The level of play opposite Mitchell will make it nearly impossible for the Eagles to make it back to the Super Bowl.
Despite having a horrible performance, the 29-year-old did have one redeeming play. In the second quarter, he had a nice pass breakup on a pass to Lamb. That's really the only play Jackson will be able to look back on as a good play.
Nevertheless, Philadelphia didn't see better cornerback play from anyone off the bench. Therefore, even though Jackson had a bad opening game, he's likely still the Eagles' best option at CB2.
That reality, however, doesn’t erase the concern. If Jackson truly believes his performance was only worthy of a “C,” the disconnect between his self-grade and the game tape is alarming. It suggests a lack of accountability that could keep him from improving.
For a team like Philadelphia, which is built to win now, that kind of mindset doesn’t bode well for Jackson’s Eagles' future. General manager Howie Roseman may already be looking for outside help at the position.