There has been ongoing speculation surrounding the surprising benching of cornerbacks J.C. Jackson and Jack Jones in the New England Patriots’ 20-17 loss to the Washington Commanders in Week 9.
The answer appears to be a combination of things, but there was some new information in a recent report from ESPN’s Mike Reiss on Wednesday. Per Reiss, a source told ESPN that Jackson missed curfew at the team hotel on Saturday.
Jones was also noted for showing up to the team hotel late. According to Reiss, the tardiness contributed to Jones’ reduced role on the team. He was benched at the start of the game, before returning for 30 defensive snaps in total.
The fact that both Jones and Jackson got torched for 100-plus receiving yards from Miami Dolphins receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle the previous week probably didn’t help matters. So it could have been a combination of performance and punctuality issues for the two corners.
Jones was back for the media portion of Wednesday’s practice, but Jackson, who is expected to miss Week 10, was nowhere to be found. It’s unexpected drama at the worst possible time for the 2-7 Patriots.
