He surrendered solely three receptions, however two went for 35 yards and the opposite for 29.
Add J.C. Jackson’s pass-interference penalty late within the first half, and Sunday was a rocky return for the Chargers cornerback.
On Wednesday, in his first public feedback since his staff’s season-opening 36-34 loss to Miami, Jackson took duty for his most obvious error, the 30-yard, second-quarter infraction that allowed the Dolphins to kick a discipline aim with no time left.
After Miami took over at its 25-yard line 9 seconds earlier than halftime, its lone probability to attain earlier than the break required a significant Chargers miscue.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa linked with receiver Jaylen Waddle for 22 yards after which launched a determined heave into the center of the sector within the space of the Chargers’ 20-yard line as time expired.
Jackson used each palms to shove Dolphins receiver Erik Ezukanma within the again, ensuing within the penalty. Miami’s Jason Sanders booted a 41-yard discipline aim and, as a substitute of being tied on the half, the Chargers trailed 20-17.
“That was a foul mistake by me,” Jackson stated. “I’ll take full blame for that. I ought to have been listening to the clock and all the pieces round. I used to be simply enjoying soccer.
“However I gotta know. … Coach is at all times speaking about situational soccer. I gotta know what state of affairs we was in. It’s me [paying] extra consideration to particulars going into the sport.”
Jackson was enjoying for the primary time since struggling a season-ending ruptured patellar tendon in Week 7 final fall. He had surgical procedure and spent the offseason rehabilitating to the purpose the place he was obtainable for the beginning of coaching camp.
Coming again towards Miami and speedy receivers Tyreek Hill and Waddle wasn’t excellent for Jackson, however that’s the schedule the Chargers got. He performed 44 of the staff’s 67 defensive snaps.
Jackson stated he’s nonetheless not 100% and, with the severity of the damage he suffered, there’s no assure he’ll regain the shape that allowed him to be a Professional Bowler in 2021 with New England.
However on Wednesday, Jackson continued to specific optimism about the place he’s headed, repeatedly saying he’s “working” again to 100%.
“It’s a protracted season, man,” he stated. “That’s Week 1. We’ve acquired a complete season forward of us. That’s what I’m on the lookout for. My aim is attempting to remain wholesome all through the entire season.”
Jackson did have his first interception as a Charger, choosing off Tagovailoa ultimately zone within the third quarter. However on the Dolphins’ subsequent offensive snap, Hill flew previous Jackson for a 35-yard landing.
Coach Brandon Staley defined that Jackson was overwhelmed on the play due to improper leverage. Jackson allowed Hill to streak previous him on the skin when his assist — on this case security Derwin James Jr. — was inside.
“Mentally, I really feel like he’s doing nicely,” James stated of Jackson. “I really feel like he’s going to reply. I instructed him, ‘Don’t hold your head down. We’ve nonetheless acquired your again. It’s one recreation.’ ”
Jackson struggled on a day when the Chargers’ move protection was traditionally dangerous. Tagovailoa completed with 466 yards, essentially the most given up by a Chargers protection.
As unpleasant because the efficiency was, Jackson took a philosophical method.
“Generally you need to lose to get the place you’re going,” he stated. “To have success you need to fail first. Possibly our staff wanted that. Possibly our staff wanted that loss to wake all people up, humble all people.
“We got here in right here and let Miami beat us in our personal home. Come on. What we going to do, man. However I’m not on to Miami. I’m frightened about Tennessee. It’s Week 2.”
The Chargers journey to play the Titans on Sunday.
And so on.
Three starters had been lacking Wednesday as edge rusher Joey Bosa, operating again Austin Ekeler and linebacker Eric Kendricks didn’t apply. Bosa is coping with a hamstring damage suffered Sunday. Ekeler (ankle) and Kendricks (hamstring) additionally had been listed as out for private causes. Ekeler’s agent and buddy, Cameron Weiss, died Sunday after a prolonged battle with most cancers.