PHILADELPHIA — Getting a C-minus on a report card is not something to be proud about.
That is the grade Eagles cornerback Adoree’ Jackson gave his performance in Philadelphia’s 24-20 win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1, but even that might be too high. He is more deserving of an F.
On seven targets, Jackson gave up five catches for 103 yards, including a 32-yard catch to CeeDee Lamb on the opening drive, which set up Javonte Williams’ one-yard touchdown.
The 29-year-old cornerback, who once was a solid starter for the New York Giants, has clearly lost a step. Lamb left him in the dust a few times.
Jackson’s coverage wasn’t the only problem. On Cowboys running back Miles Sanders’ 49-yard run in the third quarter, Jackson fell down and lost contain.
He slowed Dallas’ momentum during the second quarter when he broke up a pass on 2nd-and-10 from Philadelphia’s 23-yard line (Dallas settled for a field goal on that drive). But overall, he didn’t have many positive moments from the game.
Over the next 16 weeks, opposing QBs could pick apart Philadelphia’s secondary by going after Jackson.
Starting Jackson in Week 2 against the Kansas City Chiefs would be a mistake. The Eagles should make a change before things get uglier.
With another week of experience in Vic Fangio’s scheme, Jakorian Bennett should take over as the permanent starter. Bennett could raise the ceiling of Philadelphia’s defense and should be an upgrade over Jackson. He gave up three catches for 20 yards against the Cowboys, but he had sticky coverage on each attempt.
Over the next month, the Eagles face teams who have good wide receivers: the Rams in Week 3 (Davante Adams/Puka Nacua), Buccaneers in Week 4 (Mike Evans/ Emeka Egbuka) and Vikings in Week 7 (Justin Jefferson/Jordan Addison).
Jackson would be a huge liability in those matchups.
Philadelphia’s secondary will regress significantly if Bennett is not the solution. The other options (fifth-rounder Mac McWilliams and Kelee Ringo) are unlikely to solve the problem.
Eventually, Fangio could move slot CB Cooper DeJean to the outside on a full-time basis, but he has been reluctant so far.
Quinyon Mitchell could travel with certain wide receivers, but it’s not ideal. Throughout the summer, the No. 2 cornerback spot looked like a huge problem — Thursday only confirmed it. The Eagles can’t let it destroy their season.
Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription. Cayden Steele may be reached atCSteele@njadvancemedia.com
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