After his New England Patriots (8-4) 36-13 win against the visiting Tennessee Titans (8-4) on Sunday – a game close to the final score – the coach was answering a long question. Captain Devin went off course to add McCourty and Jesse Jackson to the conversation.
“Any trash you leave around here, he’s going to pick it up,” Belichick smiled, forcing Jackson to make a significant fumble in the third quarter and later fourth-quarter interceptions in the end zone. Coming along, Belichick said with a smile.
Jackson’s knack for trash picks (aka creating takeaways) was one of several notable stories from the Patriots’ victory that was defined by the team not playing its cleanest game but finding a way to win.
The interception was the 24th of Jackson’s career, joining Richard Sherman (Seattle Seahawks, 2011–14) and Kenny Isley (Seahawks, 1981–84) in any of their first four seasons since the 1970 merger. NFL players are the third most. , Only Everson Walls (25, Dallas Cowboys, 1981–84) and Lester Hayes (25, Raiders, 1977–80) have more.
For the Patriots’ history, Jackson’s 24 interceptions extended his lead over Mike Haynes (22), Ron Bolton (18) and Ty Law (18) during the first four seasons of his career.
“Mr. Pix!” Outside linebacker Matthew Juden said.
McCourty called him “Johnny on the spot”, which is often the case with interceptions, but Sunday’s forced rumble was a case of Jackson running on the spot to make a play.
The Patriots led 19-13 at the start of the third quarter, but their run defense – which showed vulnerability in the first half for 142 yards on 18 carries – unleashed another big leak that saw D’Onta Foreman hit a gaping hole. Was walking through. And moving into Patriots territory on a 30-yard lead.
A dangerous situation was extinguished when Jackson tracked the foreman from behind, releasing the ball with his right hand. Cornerback Jalen Mills recovered it on shore.
“See the ball, get the ball,” Jackson said of the play. “He didn’t have good ball protection. As a defense, we talk about making turnovers every day. Every day we punch the ball.”
The Patriots forced four turnovers, which helped offset 270 rushing yards, the second-most ever allowed by a Belichick-trained Patriots team. Surprisingly, the Patriots are 4-0 under Belichick when allowed to run for more than 250 yards.
The Patriots (plus-four) are now 173-18 under Belichick when they have a positive turnover gap (2000-present). This season, they’re plus-12, with 25 takeaways and 13 giveaways.
“We’re building turnover every week,” Jackson said. “We prepare for it. When it’s time to play, we put it into action and get it done.”
Jackson’s seven interceptions this season lead the AFC, and is second in the NFL behind Cowboys cornerback Trayvon Diggs (eight). Jackson also leads the fan vote for the Pro Bowl among AFC cornerbacks (58,166).
“JC is a great player, and he deserves whatever recognition he gets,” Judon said. The way he is playing and getting the ball back to our team is amazing.