This off-season, the New York Giants made it a priority to revamp their offense. In free agency, they did so by signing weapons John Ross, Devontae Booker, Kyle Rudolph, and Kenny Golladay. Meanwhile, on the other side of the football, New York made a significant upgrade at cornerback with the addition of Adoree’ Jackson. Suddenly, this signing makes Jackson the most important defensive starter in 2021.
Improvement has been seen by Jackson every season but the last in his four-year NFL career. His fall from grace came from missing 13 games with a knee injury this past season. Facing financial restraints from a pandemic-lowered salary cap, the Tennessee Titans declined Jackson’s fifth-year option on his rookie contract and outright released him prior to the start of free agency. Thus, leaving him a dream signing for the Giants.
Adoree’ Jackson is New York Giants Most Important Defensive Starter in 2021
Giants and Adoree’ Jackson are a Perfect Match
The Giants wanted to address the cornerback position this off-season and feel very fortunate to have their top target in the fold for 2021. Jackson is joining a defensive secondary that expects to elevate their play this upcoming season. Barring an unexpected injury, the starting unit will consist of Jackson and James Bradberry at the corner. Additionally, they will have the duo of Jabril Peppers and Logan Ryan at safety. This group knows how to find the football and create turnovers that slant the field in favor of the Giants offense.
The Giants are firmly convinced that Jackson is the perfect man coverage corner to work opposite Bradberry. His excellence comes in the area of tracking a football in the air and changing direction in a blink of an eye. Jackson rarely loses his balance moving backward in defending deep pass routes. Plus, he does have the recovery speed necessary to close the gap on speedy wideouts on crossing pass routes. Jackson is smart in cutting angles and disrupting a quarterback’s passing lane.
Adoree’ Jackson’s Versatility is Key to Success
Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham will utilize Jackson’s athleticism and versatility to line him up anywhere on the football field. Graham has confidence in the former USC star’s ability to lock down opposing wide receivers in single coverage situations. Jackson has two career interceptions and 33 passes defended in 46 NFL games. A quarterback will have to be incredibly accurate in the limited space provided.
The coaching staff has faith that the front seven will put pressure on quarterbacks, which should force them to throw the football sooner before routes are run to their full extent. The results could lead to more interceptions by this talented secondary.
The Giants fans will be pleasantly surprised by Jackson’s ability to make an impact on designed runs to the outside. He does a terrific job of disrupting outside running plays by shedding a lead blocker off their outside shoulder, which forces a runner to the inside and into heavy traffic. There is a good chance of limiting the yards gained or better yet, forcing a fumble.
Jackson is wise to know his stature doesn’t possess the power needed to make solo tackles. But he can slow down an outside running play long enough for teammates to converge on a would-be ball carrier.
Expect an Impact From Day One
The Giants defense will look vastly different from last season. The unit’s biggest acquisition is eager to show that last season’s injury-plagued campaign is not the norm. Jackson’s contributions should raise everyone’s confidence and push his teammates to exceed expectations.
In the end, Jackson could take the Giants defense to the next level in 2021.
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