Patch Patriots Roundup: J.C. Jackson's Not-So-Triumphant Return

FOXBOROUGH, MA — If there's one point that explains how well J.C. Jackson's time with the Los Angeles Chargers went, it might be this: The Chargers paid Jackson over $7 million to play for the New England Patriots one year after they signed him to a five-year, $82.5 million contract.

The Patriots play the New Orleans Saints in Foxborough on Sunday, and Jackson could be asked to help shore up a Patriots secondary which has been dealt injury blow after injury blow, most recently in first-round draft pick Christian Gonzalez.

Gonzalez, who won Defensive Rookie of the Month for September, could be out for the season after suffering a shoulder injury in last weekend's stomping by the Dallas Cowboys.

Pats fans hope that both Jackson and the team can right the ship this week against a New Orleans team with an ailing quarterback in Derek Carr.

Here's what to know heading into Sunday:

More on Jackson

Focusing on Jackson for a moment longer here, it's important to note that there could be reason for optimism despite the cornerback's struggles.

Jackson, who performed well on the field during his time in New England despite a few off-the-field blips, was dealing with the effects of injury as well.

A Pro Bowler in 2021 who led the NFL in passes defended and generated 17 interceptions during his final two seasons in New England, Jackson suffered a patellar tendon tear in Week 7 last year after he dealt with injuries earlier in the season, too.

To say he never got going in L.A. is an understatement, but there's a chance Head Coach Bill Belichick can still get the best out of him, or, at the very least, the best that he still has left.

The Mac Jones Dilemma

Patriots quarterback Mac Jones was benched on Sunday against the Cowboys after a less-than-stellar showing that included multiple turnovers in the team's 38-3 loss.

The move prompted questions from the media about whether Jones would start again for the team, which Belichick dismissed in his usual Belichick way. Jones is set to start against New Orleans this week, and ESPN's Mike Reiss reports that Jones and new-but-familiar offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien are in problem solving mode.

"There are glimpses of what we can be. We have to see more of that," O’Brien said, according to ESPN. "Coaching is about teaching, motivating and problem solving. We have to solve problems right now. The clock is ticking, we realize that. We think there are things we can do to improve."

Though Patriots brass are showing their typical steady-handedness, two former players have discussed Jones' progress this week.

On the Ryen Russillo Podcast, Julian Edelman said the quarterback has at times made mistakes that shouldn't happen for a third-year player.

Then, on an appearance on the "Up & Adams Show", Rob Gronkowski said he thinks the quarterback needs to show dramatic improvement — and avoid another benching — if he intends on keeping his job.

His next chance to right the ship comes on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Russ Francis Plane Crash

More details have emerged about Sunday's airplane crash that killed former NFL tight end Russ Francis and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s Senior Vice President Richard McSpadden.

The crash occurred around 4:50 p.m. at the end of the runway at Lake Placid Airport, where Francis had recently purchased the Lake Placid Airways scenic tour business, according to Lake Placid News.

Prior to the crash, a second plane carrying a photographer took off as the 1976 Cessna that Francis and McSpadden were operating was set to be photographed in flight for the AOPA's Pilot magazine, National Transportation Safety Board investigator Todd Gunther said at a news conference Tuesday, according to the Adirondack Daily Enterprise.

Before the photoshoot commenced, the Cessna's engine "apparently lost power," Gunther said. The plane returned to the runway, but hit an embankment at the end of the runway and fell about 30 feet into a ravine.

Francis played 13 NFL seasons and was with the patriots from 1975-80, and again from 1987-88. He was a two-time All-Pro (1976 and 1978), three-time Pro Bowl player (1977, 1978 and 1979), a member of the Patriots all-decade team (1970s) and a member of the Patriots 35th Anniversary Team.

How To Watch, Listen

Kickoff: 1 p.m.

Network: CBS

Streaming: Paramount+

Radio: 98.5 The Sports Hub