Packers: Five players to watch vs. Washington in Week 3
By Jesse Fry
2. Josh Jackson, CB
What was written about Jaire Alexander can also be said of Josh Jackson. King’s injury will have a domino effect in the secondary and Jackson will get his first shot at extended playing time.
Jackson moved into the slot after House’s exit and gave up a few receptions to the Vikings. But overall, he has not played bad in the limited time he has been on the field.
It’s possible Jackson could open up outside with Alexander in the slot or mixing and matching depending on the matchup. Either way, both will play large roles in this weekend’s game.
Jackson showed in the preseason some of the ball-hawk skills that made him a second-round pick. Against Alex Smith, Jackson and Alexander won’t get many misplaced passes to take advantage of. Both corners will have to play smart and patient.
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Jackson matched up on the Redskins’ talented tight end Jordan Reed. Reed has given the Packers fits in the past. In the 2015 playoffs, he dominated the Packers before the offense finally got hot and pulled off the comeback. The Packers will look to ensure this doesn’t happen again, and Jackson might be the best bet.
Alex Smith won’t blow you away with down-the-field bombs, but he will take the smart plays and ensure his team is in a good position. But if the rookies get too eager, Smith can make them look silly and turn in a big game.