One of the more positive developments for the Patriots down the stretch has been the emergence of J.C. Jackson. The rookie corner played sparingly most of the season, contributing at times in his limited reps before earning his first start in early December against Minnesota.
Jackson played extremely well in that game and has been a fixture in the lineup since. He now prepares for his first playoff game on Sunday when the Los Angeles Chargers will visit for a divisional round showdown at Gillette Stadium.
Jackson spoke to reporters on Wednesday and admitted he was nervous but confident, adding that he "feels like nobody can catch a pass on me."
The Boston Globe writes about the big, physical Chargers receivers and how difficult they are to tackle. Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa aren't just hard to stop; they’re also hard to find.
The Boston Herald says Gus Bradley's defenses haven’t exactly been Tom Brady's kryptonite. The Herald also looks at the matchup between Derwin James and Rob Gronkowski.
The Providence Journal has the Patriots defense looking to rise to the occasion on Sunday.
The Athletic is looking for a return of snow to the Patriots postseason plans. Devin McCourty was a full participant in practice on Wednesday but the Chargers were missing Melvin Gordon.
MassLive.com offers a detailed scouting report for Sunday’s game.
Philip Rivers spoke to New England media on Wednesday via conference call and remembered playing for Bill Belichick at the Pro Bowl several years ago. Anthony Lynn has worked hard to establish a culture change with the Chargers.
The Chargers will be playing with heavy hearts on Sunday following the tragic death of Brandon Mebane's infant daughter, McKenna.
The Patriot Way is nothing new to running back James White.
ESPN.com says the year may be different but it's the same old story in the AFC East as the Patriots managed to take many of the site's division awards.
The Los Angeles Times writes about the Chargers resolved to return home with yet another impressive road win. Mebane is back with his teammates following his terrible ordeal.
