There was a point during this past week that Patriots cornerback J.C. Jackson didn't think he'd play against the Panthers.
Jackson missed practices Wednesday and Thursday due to illness before returning on Friday.
“Man, I was sick as (expletive),” Jackson said to reporters after the game. “I was about to die. Like, I couldn’t taste. I had strep throat and it was over. I thought it was over.”
The Patriots cornerback turned a corner and was a full-go for Sunday's game where he had one of his better performances as a pro. Jackson finished with two interceptions, including a 88-yard pick-6 in the third quarter.
“I was like oh (expletive) I hope I don’t get caught,” Jackson said of Robby Anderson chasing him. “Because I had got gassed. When I got to the 30, the 20 my legs had gotten tight so I’m looking back. I’m going zig zag so he won’t catch me.”
It was his first career touchdown.
While Jackson had a great game without practicing, Bill Belichick made sure to let him know not to get used to it.
“I talked to him about that. I hope that’s not a sign of things to come. Think that we don’t have to practice and then go out there and be a star of the game,” Belichick said. “But J.C. played well and I think honestly when you miss a couple days, if you’ve had all the other ones that lead up to it then those aren’t as — they’re important but you have a better chance to overcome it because of all the practices that you’ve bankrolled.”
The 5-4 Patriots will host the Browns next Sunday.